Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Introduction

Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is a rich, comforting, and savory dish that transforms the classic French beef stew into a quick and easy version using the Instant Pot. Tender chunks of beef are simmered in a flavorful broth with mushrooms, onions, carrots, and garlic, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. With all the depth of flavor you’d expect from a slow-cooked stew, but made in a fraction of the time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Plus, it’s free of pork, bacon, and alcohol, making it accessible for all dietary preferences.

I remember the first time I made it for a family dinner. The house smelled incredible as it cooked, and the moment we sat down to eat, everyone couldn’t get enough of the rich, savory flavors. What’s great about this dish is how easy it is to make in the Instant Pot—no long hours of simmering required, yet it still delivers all the comforting warmth of a traditional beef bourguignon. It’s quickly become a favorite for those nights when I want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Cold weather meals
• Quick weeknight meals
• Cozy comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon will become your new go-to meal:

• Tender Beef: The Instant Pot makes cooking the beef incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy: A traditional Beef Bourguignon can take hours to cook, but this recipe significantly reduces cooking time while keeping all the flavor.
• Rich Flavor: Despite skipping bacon and alcohol, this dish still packs a deep, savory flavor thanks to the vegetables, broth, and herbs.
• Hearty and Filling: With beef, mushrooms, and vegetables, this stew is filling and perfect for a one-pot meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for several meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon:

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck: The ideal cut for stew, providing tender pieces of beef when cooked under pressure.
• Olive Oil: Used to brown the beef, adding richness to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep umami flavor and helps create the stew base.
• Mushrooms: Contribute an earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaf infuse the stew with aromatic notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon:

Sear the Beef:

1. Sear the Beef: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure to brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly, then add the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Stew:

3. Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the beef broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon for extra flavor.
4. Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir to combine.

Cook Under Pressure:

5. Pressure Cook the Stew: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Finish the Stew:

7. Add the Mushrooms: Open the lid and add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, stirring them into the stew.
8. Simmer: Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and let the stew simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to cook and the sauce to thicken.
9. Season: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the beef bourguignon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How to Serve

• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
• With Crusty Bread: A piece of freshly baked bread makes the perfect accompaniment to dip into the stew.
• With Rice: Serve with rice for a lighter option.
• For Extra Flavor: Pair with a side of green beans or a simple green salad.
• For Leftovers: Reheat the stew the next day—it tastes even better!

Additional Tips

• Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning process—it adds so much flavor to the final dish.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or other root vegetables for extra heartiness.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, use the “Sauté” function to simmer it until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Make Ahead: This stew can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and intensify over time.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Bourguignon: Swap beef with hearty vegetables like cauliflower or seitan.
2. Gluten-Free Bourguignon: Serve over gluten-free rice or potatoes.
3. Spicy Beef Bourguignon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
4. Herb Variations: Try rosemary or oregano in place of thyme.
5. Tomato-Free Bourguignon: Skip the tomato paste and rely on extra mushrooms and broth for flavor.
6. Beef and Mushroom Bourguignon: Add extra mushrooms to make this dish even more savory and hearty.
7. Beef Bourguignon with Potatoes: Add small potatoes to the stew for extra texture and heartiness.
8. Crockpot Beef Bourguignon: Use the same recipe in a slow cooker, cooking on low for 7-8 hours.
9. Coconut Beef Bourguignon: Add coconut milk for a unique, creamy variation.
10. Spicy Cajun Beef Bourguignon: Add a touch of Cajun seasoning for a different twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Cool the stew completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode.

Special Equipment

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board and knife

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use sirloin or round, but chuck roast is ideal for stews.
2. Can I make this without mushrooms? Yes, simply omit the mushrooms and add more vegetables.
3. Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms? Yes, feel free to use pre-sliced mushrooms for convenience.
4. Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
5. Can I add potatoes to the stew? Yes, add small cubed potatoes for extra heartiness.

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Conclusion

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon without the pork, bacon, or alcohol. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, delivering all the depth and warmth of the classic French stew. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory, aromatic broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy dinner or a weekend meal with loved ones.

The Instant Pot makes it even more convenient, cutting down on cooking time while still letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this hearty meal will leave everyone satisfied.

I’d love to see how your Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!