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Perfect Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon Recipe for Easy Date Night Dinner

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A rich and tender beef bourguignon made quickly in the Instant Pot, capturing the essence of a cozy French bistro without hours of cooking. Perfect for date nights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces chopped bacon (thick-cut recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Burgundy recommended)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Cut the beef chuck into 1½-inch cubes, season generously with salt and black pepper. Dice the onion, slice carrots, mince garlic, and slice mushrooms. Chop bacon into small pieces. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
  2. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add olive oil to the bacon fat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pot or the meat will steam instead of brown. Set browned beef aside.
  4. Add diced onion and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sauté for another 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly, which boosts flavor.
  6. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial to avoid a burn warning and adds depth.
  7. Return beef and bacon to the pot. Add beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
  9. Once cooking finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  10. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. If the sauce is too thin, turn the sauté mode back on and simmer until reduced to your liking (about 5-10 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.

Notes

Searing the beef well is key to locking in flavor. Deglaze thoroughly with wine to avoid burn warnings and add depth. Use dry red wine you enjoy drinking. Natural pressure release helps keep beef tender. Adjust seasoning at the end and simmer sauce if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Beef Bourguignon, French, Pressure Cooker, Date Night, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/perfect-instant-pot-beef-bourguignon-recipe-for-easy-date-night-dinner/