Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Introduction

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making Beef Bourguignon, you’re not alone. It’s a French classic that’s often reserved for special occasions, thanks to its rich flavors and long cooking time. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all of the deep, comforting flavors of this dish in a fraction of the time? With the Instant Pot, you can make this savory, hearty dish in under two hours, without sacrificing any of its amazing taste. Perfect for a cozy dinner, a special celebration, or simply when you want to impress your family and friends, this Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon brings gourmet-quality to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender Beef: The Instant Pot ensures your beef becomes meltingly tender in record time.
• Rich Flavor: With a savory blend of red wine, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, this dish bursts with deep flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Traditional Beef Bourguignon takes hours to cook, but the Instant Pot allows you to get the same result in much less time.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is perfect for a cold evening, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a weekend dinner or a holiday feast, this dish will always impress.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 25g, Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon:

For the Beef Bourguignon:

• 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 2-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup carrots (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 2 cups baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine (Burgundy wine is traditional, but any dry red wine works)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup pearl onions (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck: The best cut for Beef Bourguignon, as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow (or fast, in the case of the Instant Pot!).
• Red Wine: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, and helps tenderize the beef.
• Baby Potatoes: These add a nice texture and absorb the flavors of the broth.
• Pearl Onions: These add a subtle sweetness and delicate texture to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring earthiness that complements the beef and sauce perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” Mode: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pot.
2. Sear the Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned. This step adds deep flavor to the dish. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and the vegetables begin to release their aroma.
2. Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Deglaze the Pot

1. Pour in the Wine: Add the red wine to the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial for building flavor.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pressure Cook

1. Add the Beef Back: Return the seared beef cubes to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the liquid.
2. Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual or Pressure Cook for 35 minutes on high pressure.
3. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Add the Vegetables

1. Add the Potatoes, Pearl Onions, and Mushrooms: Open the lid and add the halved baby potatoes, pearl onions, and sliced mushrooms. Stir to combine.
2. Cook for an Additional 10 Minutes: Lock the lid back on and cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Quick Release: Once the second cooking time is up, quick-release the pressure.

Finish and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Open the lid and give the stew a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the Beef Bourguignon into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

How to Serve

Serve your Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon with these side ideas to complete the meal:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, savory sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice for an easy and delicious option.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans make a great, light side dish to balance the richness of the stew.
• Buttered Noodles: If you prefer pasta, egg noodles tossed in butter are a wonderful option.

Additional Tips

• Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds tons of flavor to the sauce. If your Instant Pot gets too full, you can sear the beef in batches.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, beef broth works just as well, though it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew before the final pressure cooking step. It’ll thicken up nicely.
• Make it Ahead: Beef Bourguignon is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for leftovers!

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:

• Vegetarian Bourguignon: Swap the beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and carrots, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add More Herbs: Try adding a sprig of rosemary or a pinch of dried rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a touch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

Freezing and Storage

This dish stores wonderfully for later:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Beef Bourguignon freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little extra beef broth to loosen it up.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment to make this dish:

• Instant Pot: To pressure cook the stew and cut down on cooking time.
• Wooden Spoon: For scraping up the fond and stirring the ingredients.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the beef and vegetables.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about making Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon:

• Can I use a different cut of beef?
  While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use stew meat or brisket. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from slow cooking.
• Do I have to use pearl onions?
  If you don’t have pearl onions, you can substitute with regular onions, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
• Can I make this without wine?
  Yes, you can use additional beef broth or even a bit of balsamic vinegar to replace the wine.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich, flavorful red wine sauce and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests at dinner parties or to enjoy on a cozy night in. The beauty of this recipe is how quickly you can achieve the deep, comforting flavors of traditional beef bourguignon, all thanks to the Instant Pot.

The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce thickens beautifully, coating each bite with savory goodness. Carrots, onions, and mushrooms add a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and truly unforgettable.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make in the Instant Pot. No need to spend hours simmering over the stove – this version is quick, making it ideal for those times when you want a gourmet meal without all the fuss. It’s also versatile enough to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to create a comforting masterpiece! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!