Picture this: a chilly evening, the sky awash in hues of deep orange as the sun sets, and the enticing aroma of rich beef stew wafts through your home. That comforting scent is exactly what led me to perfect this Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon recipe, inspired by the classic French dish. Now, I know what you might be thinking—how can I whip up something so traditional in a gadget that promises speed? Trust me, this method doesn’t skimp on flavor or warmth, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends.
With tender chunks of beef, earthy Baby Bella mushrooms, and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon all coming together in a symphony of flavors, this dish is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Not only does it save time, but it also brings that restaurant-quality taste right to your table without the fuss. So, let’s dive into this deliciously straightforward recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love this Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon?
Quick Cooking: This recipe transforms a traditionally lengthy dish into a two-hour marvel, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing authenticity.
Mouthwatering Aroma: The combination of red wine and herbs fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent, enticing everyone to the dinner table.
Tender Meat: Cooked under pressure, the beef becomes exceptionally tender and absorbs all those rich, savory flavors beautifully.
Versatile Dish: It pairs splendidly with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes, making it adaptable for any palate or occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner party, this dish consistently impresses and garners compliments, ensuring you’ll want to make it often!
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon Ingredients
For the Beef
• 1-2 pounds beef – beef chuck, round eye, or rib eye are perfect choices for rich flavor and tenderness.
For the Vegetables
• 8 ounces Baby Bella mushrooms – these earthy mushrooms add depth to the stew.
• 1 large carrot – chopped thick for a satisfying bite.
• 4 large garlic cloves – minced; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1 medium red onion – diced to bring a sweet flavor balance.
• 8 ounces pearl onions – cut in half; their sweetness enhances the stew’s richness.
For the Liquid
• 1 cup beef broth – this base enhances the beefy depth of the dish.
• 1 cup red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for a robust flavor.
• ¼ cup cognac – adds a luxurious touch and complexity.
For Thickening and Seasoning
• 5 tbsp. butter – this creates a rich base for the stew.
• 5 tbsp. flour – helps to thicken the stew and gives it body.
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce – brings a savory umami kick.
• 1 tsp. salt – essential for enhancing all flavors.
• 1 tsp. pepper – adds a gentle heat.
• ⅛ tsp. smoked Spanish paprika – infuses a subtle smoky flavor.
• ½ tsp. garlic powder – for that extra garlicky goodness.
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper – just a pinch adds a warm undertone.
This Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is set to become a cherished recipe, right alongside your family favorites!
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
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Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. This step is key to ensuring each piece is bursting with flavor.
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Brown the Beef: In your Instant Pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter using the sauté function. Add the beef and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This initial step builds depth in flavor!
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Set Aside: Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about those delicious brown bits left behind; they’re packed with flavor!
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot, followed by the minced garlic, diced red onion, carrots, and pearl onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and aromatic.
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Add the Mushrooms: Toss in the Baby Bella mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. The mushrooms will shrink and start to release their moisture, enhancing the overall taste.
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Incorporate the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Mix in Liquids and Beef: Pour in the beef broth, red wine, cognac, and add all the seasoning: thyme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, then add the beef back to the pot.
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Pressure Cook: Close the lid and ensure the steam valve is set to sealing. Select the pressure cook setting and set the timer for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch to a quick release to release any remaining steam.
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Final Touches: Open the lid and give everything a good stir. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
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Choose Quality Beef: Select well-marbled cuts like beef chuck; they will yield the most tender meat when pressure cooked.
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Sauté Properly: Take your time brown the beef well during the sauté step, as this develops rich flavors and depth in your Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon.
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Don’t Skip the Flour: Mixing flour with the vegetables is crucial for thickening the stew; it ensures a velvety texture that enhances your dish.
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Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh thyme can elevate the flavor profile, bringing a brightness that perfectly balances the hearty elements of the stew.
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Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stew just before serving. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings, as the flavors will meld and can vary after pressure cooking.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon ingredients are perfect for make-ahead meal prep! You can chop the vegetables and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. You can also sauté the vegetables and beef, then cool the mixture before refrigerating it for up to 3 days. To finish, simply reheat the mixture in the Instant Pot, add the remaining ingredients, and pressure cook as per the original recipe. This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting, hassle-free dinner on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor!
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this beloved dish, adding your favorite ingredients to truly make it your own!
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Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version without losing richness.
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Different Beef Cuts: Try brisket or sirloin for a different texture and flavor profile, keeping cooking times similar for tender meat.
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Mushroom Medley: Use a variety of mushrooms like shiitake and portobello for an overall deeper, umami flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables such as diced potatoes or parsnips for heartiness, enriching the stew’s nutritional value and flavors.
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Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley, giving each bowl a fresh twist that evokes the countryside.
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Zesty Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds brightness, cutting through the richness and revitalizing the dish.
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Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, add a dash of hot sauce or more cayenne pepper, giving your stew an exciting layer of heat.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the stew without sacrificing texture.
What to Serve with Beef Stew?
Cozy up your dinner table with perfect sides that bring out the heartiness of your beef stew.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture absorbs the rich gravy, creating a comforting bite that every spoonful craves.
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Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up every last drop, a warm loaf adds a delightful crunch and rustic charm.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter notes balance the stew’s richness, while they bring a lovely caramelized flavor to the mix.
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Garlic Green Beans: The freshness and crunch from sautéed green beans offer a vibrant contrast, perfectly complementing the savory stew.
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Buttered Noodles: Simple yet satisfying, they serve as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of beef stew to shine brightly!
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Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with zesty dressing provides a refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the hearty stew beautifully.
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Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon: A glass of crisp, buttery Chardonnay elevates the flavors, while a rich Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the wine-infused taste of the stew.
These delightful companions will transform your beef stew into a full-fledged feast, making every meal an occasion to cherish!
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
Fridge: Keep your beef bourguignon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool down before sealing to maintain its rich flavors.
Freezer: Freeze your stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through for a cozy meal anytime.
Serving Tip: This Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop and meld!
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right beef for this dish?
Absolutely! For your Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon, opt for well-marbled cuts like beef chuck, round eye, or rib eye. These cuts will break down beautifully during cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Look for pieces with a good amount of fat and connective tissue, as they add richness to your stew.
How should I store leftovers?
Store your leftover beef bourguignon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the stew to cool completely before sealing it to help preserve its delicious flavor. This makes it easy to enjoy hearty leftovers during the week!
Can I freeze Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon?
Very much! You can freeze this stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge the night before you want to enjoy it again.
What’s the best way to reheat beef bourguignon?
Gently reheat your frozen or refrigerated Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon on the stove over medium heat. If you’re using the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the integrity of the meat and veggies!
Why is my stew too thick or too thin, and how can I fix it?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply thin it out with a bit of beef broth or water, adding a small amount at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts of cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer until it thickens.
Is this recipe suitable for my dog or for someone with allergies?
While the ingredients in Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon are safe for human consumption, it’s essential to note that certain ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to dogs. If you’re considering sharing with your pet, make a separate simple stew without any harmful seasonings. For allergies, please check with a medical professional regarding any specific food sensitivities, especially concerning the wine and cognac used in this dish.
Savory Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon in Under 2 Hours
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the Instant Pot using the sauté function and brown the beef for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot and sauté the minced garlic, diced red onion, carrots, and pearl onions for about 5 minutes.
- Toss in the Baby Bella mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, red wine, cognac, and all seasonings, stirring well before adding the beef back to the pot.
- Close the lid, set the steam valve to sealing, select pressure cook, and set the timer for 35 minutes.
- Allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Open the lid, stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.