Beef Bourguignon

 Pot Beef Bourguignon: A Decadent, Quick French Classic

Beef Bourguignon, a rich and aromatic French stew, is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who craves deep, comforting flavors. Traditionally slow-cooked for hours, this recipe uses the Instant Pot to deliver the same tender, flavor-packed results in a fraction of the time. Featuring succulent beef, smoky bacon, earthy vegetables, and a luscious red wine sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Flavorful: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll achieve slow-cooked perfection in under 2 hours.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Rich, savory sauce paired with tender beef brings gourmet French cuisine to your kitchen.

Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is elegant, hearty, and loved by all.

---

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building depth and richness:

3/4 cup chopped yellow onions – Adds a sweet, savory base to the dish.

4 strips bacon, diced – Infuses smoky, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For browning the beef and bacon.

2 pounds beef chuck, cubed – Chuck roast is ideal for stews due to its marbling, which breaks down into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds subtle warmth and balance.

3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings depth and a touch of boldness.

2 carrots, peeled and sliced – Provides natural sweetness and texture.

1½ cups dry red wine – The signature ingredient; choose a bold wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir for a rich sauce.

1½ cups beef stock – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.

1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon granules – Amplifies the umami flavor in the broth.

2 bay leaves – Infuse a subtle, earthy aroma.

3 sprigs fresh parsley – Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.

2 sprigs fresh thyme – Adds a classic French flavor profile.

2 tablespoons tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and provides a rich, tangy undertone.

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Used to thicken the stew to perfection.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Combines with flour to create a velvety texture.

6 oz mushrooms, quartered – Bring an earthy, umami-rich component.

1 cup pearl onions, peeled – Add a mild, sweet flavor and elevate the dish’s presentation.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Bacon and Beef

Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add vegetable oil to the pot. Season the beef cubes with kosher salt and black pepper. Brown the beef in batches to ensure a good sear (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Add the yellow onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the sliced carrots and let them soften slightly.

3. Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine, scraping up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Combine Ingredients and Pressure Cook

Add the seared beef cubes, crispy bacon, beef stock, beef bouillon granules, bay leaves, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to Sealing, and select the Pressure Cook function. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow for a 10-minute natural release, then manually release any remaining pressure.

5. Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and all-purpose flour into a smooth paste (known as a beurre manié).

Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Add the beurre manié to the stew, stirring well to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

6. Sauté Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

In a separate skillet, melt a small amount of butter. Sauté the mushrooms and pearl onions until golden brown and tender (about 5 minutes). Add them to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves, parsley, and thyme sprigs before serving. Ladle the Beef Bourguignon into bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

---

Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

1. Choose the Right Wine: A dry, bold red wine like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal. Avoid “cooking wines” for the best flavor.

2. Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef and bacon creates a rich, complex flavor base that sets this dish apart.

3. Deglazing Is Key: Scraping up those browned bits with wine ensures every drop of flavor goes into the sauce.

4. Balancing the Sauce: Taste the stew at the end and adjust seasoning with salt or a splash of wine if needed.

5. Velvety Texture: The beurre manié thickens the sauce beautifully without lumps.

---

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce.

Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful stew.

Butter Noodles or Rice: A hearty, comforting pairing.

Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Balance the richness with fresh, light vegetables.

---

Conclusion: French Comfort Made Easy with the Instant Pot

This Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon delivers everything you love about the classic French dish—tender beef, smoky bacon, hearty vegetables, and a luxurious wine sauce—all in a fraction of the time. Perfect for both cozy weeknights and special occasions, this recipe proves you can create a gourmet meal without hours in the kitchen.

With the help of the Instant Pot, you’ll impress

 family and friends with a dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. Try it today and savor the irresistible flavors of this timeless comfort food!