Name: Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/2 – 2 pounds stew meat cut into 1 1/2 – 2 inch cubes; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper; 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil; 1 sweet yellow onion peeled and chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce; 3 medium carrots peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks; 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms trimmed and quartered; 1 cup celery chopped – optional; 1 cup red wine; 1 pound mini potatoes or yukon halved; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 bunch thyme tied in a bundle; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

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Rich and hearty, Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is a beloved classic that combines tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant herbs all simmered together in a luscious red wine sauce. This dish, deeply rooted in French culinary tradition, has found a warm spot in American kitchens too. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its sumptuous flavors but also in its convenience. The use of an Instant Pot allows for a quicker cooking time without sacrificing the depth of flavor that usually takes hours to develop on the stovetop. Imagine plating a steaming bowl of this delightful stew, the vibrant colors captivating the eye, the rich aroma enticing your senses, and each spoonful offering warmth and comfort.

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I still remember the first time I attempted Beef Bourguignon; it seemed daunting at first, a true test of patience and culinary skills. Fast forward to today, and I can whip it up in no time thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s the dish I turn to for cozy family dinners or when entertaining. This straightforward, wallet-friendly recipe feeds a crowd, making it the perfect choice for gatherings. If you love comfort food that packs a flavor punch without hours of preparation, you’re in for a treat. Grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Irresistible Flavor: Expect savory, tender beef simmered in a rich broth with notes of red wine, plus the sweetness of caramelized onions and carrots.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A colorful medley of vegetables and juicy beef makes this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this dish can be served over mashed potatoes, polenta, or even enjoyed as is.
Diet-Friendly Options: With minor adjustments, this recipe can be made gluten-free or low-carb, ensuring it suits various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 – 2 pounds stew meat: Choose a good-quality beef chuck for tender, flavorful results. If you prefer, you can substitute with venison for a gamey twist.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps to sear the beef and thicken the sauce. Gluten-free flour works as an alternative.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; feel free to adjust based on taste.
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper: Adds a light spice; fresh cracked is preferable for a stronger flavor.
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil: Use canola for a neutral flavor or olive oil for a fruity hint.
1 sweet yellow onion, peeled and chopped: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, adding depth. Substitute with white or red onions if needed.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a lovely aroma and flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
1 cup beef broth: Homemade or store-bought works well; low-sodium broth allows better control over saltiness.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds richness; it’s a must for balance. You can replace it with a bit of ketchup if necessary.
1/2 cup tomato sauce: Enhances the sauce’s texture and depth without overpowering flavors.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami; soy sauce is a suitable substitute if you’re out.
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks: Sweetness from the carrots complements the savory elements. Feel free to add parsnips for a twist.
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, trimmed and quartered: Their earthy flavor perfectly matches the beef. You can substitute with button mushrooms if needed.
1 cup celery, chopped (optional): Adds crunch and flavor but can be omitted for a more straightforward dish.
1 cup red wine: A dry red wine like Merlot works great; choose one you enjoy drinking. Non-alcoholic options like grape juice can be used.
1 pound mini potatoes or Yukon Gold, halved: Adds heartiness; they soak up the flavors beautifully. Russets can also work, but will break down more.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: This herb complements the dish with an aromatic touch. Thyme can be substituted or used together for more flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Synergizes with the other flavors; fresh thyme can be used for a bolder taste.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat; adjust to your preference or skip it altogether if you prefer mild.
1 bunch thyme, tied in a bundle: This fresh herb can be added during cooking and removed later for a light flavor boost.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thicken the sauce to your liking; arrowroot is a good substitute if preferred.
2 tablespoons water: Mix with cornstarch; this activates its thickening properties.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Coat the Beef: Add 1 1/2 – 2 pounds of stew meat to a large bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper. Stir until the beef is well-coated.
Sauté the Beef: Turn on the Instant Pot and select Sauté. Once it’s hot, add 2 tablespoons canola oil. Cook the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remember to avoid overcrowding the pot for optimal searing.
Prepare the Aromatics: After browning, remove the beef from the pot and cover it with foil to keep warm. Add 1 chopped sweet yellow onion to the pot and sauté for one minute. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic, stir, and cook for an additional minute, letting those aromatic flavors bloom.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. With a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is essential to prevent burning and enhances flavor.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the beef back to the pot along with 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Then throw in 3 chopped carrots, 8 ounces quartered baby bella mushrooms, and the optional 1 cup chopped celery.
Pour in Wine & Season: Add 1 cup of red wine and the halved 1 pound mini potatoes. Be careful not to exceed the Max line of your pot. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
Add Fresh Thyme: Place the bunch of fresh thyme on top for that extra oomph in flavor.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and seal the valve. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Once it beeps, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Thicken the Sauce: If desired, to thicken the sauce, mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. With the Instant Pot still on Sauté, add this mixture while stirring gently to avoid crushing the veggies. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the beef bourguignon into bowls, sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, allow the Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon to cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. Note that the texture may slightly change upon reheating; refreshing it with a splash of broth can help bring back that deliciously vibrant flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: Browning the beef in batches allows for proper caramelization, which adds tons of flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality meat can elevate the dish remarkably, ensuring those comforting flavors shine.
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thin after pressure cooking, the cornstarch slurry is an easy fix to achieve a thicker sauce.
Experiment with Wine: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different reds; the flavor will change depending on the wine used.
Make Ahead: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent candidate for preparing in advance.

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl full of Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon. Its rich, hearty flavor warms the soul and the ease of preparation means you’ll never have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy it. Feel free to play around with the veggies, add your favorite herbs, and make it your own. Cook it for your family, bring it to potlucks, or savor it after a long day; you can’t go wrong. Enjoy the warmth and happiness each bite brings—it’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or even flank steak. Just ensure you cut it into chunks to ensure even cooking. Different cuts may vary slightly in cooking times, so keep that in mind.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Additionally, make sure to choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, which is readily available in many grocery stores.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely! This dish actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Just cool and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad or sautéed green beans can also complement the rich flavors nicely, providing a refreshing balance.

⭐ If you make my Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon