Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon with Mulled Wine Spices: A Cozy Holiday Twist

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon, infused with the warm and inviting flavors of mulled wine. This recipe elevates the classic beef bourguignon by incorporating aromatic mulled wine spices, all while significantly reducing the cooking time thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Get ready to experience fork-tender beef, a rich and velvety sauce, and a dish that embodies the essence of a cozy winter evening.

About This Instant Pot Mulled Wine Beef Bourguignon

This recipe seamlessly blends the traditional, slow-simmered essence of beef bourguignon with the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot. The secret lies in the subtle yet festive twist: steeping the broth with whole mulled wine spices. Star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice create layers of aromatic depth without overpowering the rich, savory foundation of the stew.

The result is incredibly tender beef, a luxuriously thick and velvety sauce, and an overall experience reminiscent of dining at a high-end restaurant on a cold winter night. Except, in this case, you can achieve it in under an hour, and it freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. It’s truly a satisfying and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning an Instant Pot holiday feast, hosting a cozy weekend gathering, or simply craving a sophisticated meal without the usual effort, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a creamy starch or crusty bread.

And the best part? This beef bourguignon is ideally suited for making ahead. The flavors intensify overnight, making it an excellent choice for holiday meal prep, dinner parties, or simply stocking your freezer with a dish that feels genuinely special when reheated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy comfort food ready in under an hour.
• Infused with festive mulled wine spices for a unique holiday flavor.
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prepping.
• Suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• Deeply savory and rich, with the option to customize with or without wine.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Provides a smoky depth of flavor. Opt for thick-cut bacon if possible.
• Chuck Beef: The ideal cut for pressure cooking. Chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the rich sauce beautifully. You may also find it labeled as beef stew meat.
• Onion: Yellow onion is our preferred choice, but white onion can also be used.
• Carrots: Cut into large pieces to ensure they maintain their shape and texture during pressure cooking.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the richness and contributes to the slow-cooked flavor development of the sauce.
• Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, or use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce. All-purpose flour works perfectly, or use a gluten-free 1:1 ratio blend for a gluten-free option.
• Dry Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are excellent choices. Substitute with additional beef broth if needed.
• Beef Broth: Provides body and adds umami to the sauce. Use a high-quality beef broth for the best results.
• Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh thyme and rosemary is essential for the classic bourguignon flavor. If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried herbs, halving the amount called for.
• Whole Spices: Star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns. These spices infuse the broth, creating the stew’s signature holiday warmth and aromatic complexity.
• Honey: Balances the acidity of the wine and enhances the mulled spice notes.
• Cornstarch + Cold Water: Combined into a slurry, this mixture thickens the sauce without making it too heavy.
• Salt + Pepper: Season generously throughout the cooking process to enhance the flavors.
• Chopped Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finish just before serving.

Essential Kitchen Tools

An Instant Pot is crucial for achieving weeknight-friendly speed without compromising on the depth of flavor. It allows you to create a slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. Slow cooker instructions are also included in the recipe card below.

A sharp butcher knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential for prepping the beef and vegetables. Consistent cuts promote even cooking, especially under pressure.

You’ll also need a square of cheesecloth and some kitchen twine to contain the whole spices. This ensures a smooth sauce and simplifies cleanup.

Finally, a sturdy wooden spoon and scraper are your best tools for deglazing the pot and stirring without scratching the Instant Pot insert.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon

Sauté and Sear

Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, cook the bacon until it turns crispy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Then, remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate covered with paper towels. Add the beef in smaller batches, searing each side until it turns brown. Remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base

In the Instant Pot, add the onion and carrots, along with a bit more oil to avoid burning. Cook the mixture until the vegetables soften. Incorporate the thyme, rosemary, tomato paste, and garlic, cooking until the aroma fills your kitchen. Add flour and stir to coat the vegetables thoroughly, cooking for a minute or two to eliminate the taste of raw flour.

Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the red wine and beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Introduce the spice bag containing star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and peppercorns. Add the beef and bacon back to the pot along with honey, and mix everything thoroughly.

Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on High pressure for 45 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

Thicken and Serve

Take out the spice bag and set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and simmer until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles, ensuring each serving is generously topped with the savory red wine gravy.

Tips for Success

• Brown the meat in batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
• Don’t skip the flour; it’s essential for the sauce’s signature texture.
• Always taste before serving; the spices mellow as they cook, and you may want to add more salt.
• If the sauce is too thin, simmer for an additional five minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry.
• If using wine, cook it during deglazing for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce acidity.
• Cut the beef evenly for consistent cooking.

Recipe Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute all beef broth for the red wine.
• Add a hearty handful of mushrooms along with the onions and carrots for a more robust flavor and texture. Pearl onions are also a great addition!
• For a more traditional beef bourguignon, omit the mulled spices and stick to classic herbs like thyme and bay leaf.
• A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor.
• Garnish with crispy shallots or fried sage leaves for a festive presentation.

Try these cozy and flavorful recipes: Instant Pot Chili | Instant Pot Bolognese | Instant Pot Tortilla Soup | Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Wine Should I Use?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir is best. Avoid wines that are overly sweet or tannic.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Only double the recipe if you are using an 8-quart Instant Pot; otherwise, the pot will be too full for safe pressure cooking.

Is the Spice Bag Necessary?

The spice bag is optional but highly recommended. It adds a nuanced mulled wine flavor without overpowering the dish.

Looking for more dinner ideas? Explore my main dish recipe page!

Serving Suggestions

Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic accompaniment to beef bourguignon. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are quick and easy, and the velvety sauce soaks into every bite.

Buttered egg noodles are another excellent choice, especially when serving a crowd. They are simple, quick to prepare, and capture the flavorful sauce perfectly.

For a richer option, consider serving with Parmesan polenta.

If you prefer a low-carb alternative, garlic mashed cauliflower provides a lighter texture that complements the sauce beautifully.

And don’t forget the bread! Sourdough Garlic Toast or Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce. Adding a touch of butter to the bread adds an extra layer of richness.

How to Store Leftovers

Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Freeze: Cool completely, remove the spice bag, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

More Winter Comfort Food Recipes

For more cozy meal inspiration, try the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet, a creamy, cheesy dish loaded with comforting flavors.

The Easy Dumpling Soup is a light, brothy option packed with flavor, perfect for those wanting something warming without being too heavy.

If you’re craving baked comfort food, the Gnocchi Bolognese Bake is bubbling, cheesy, and layered with rich meat sauce—ideal for weeknights or entertaining.

If you make this Instant Pot Mulled Wine Beef Bourguignon, please rate the recipe with stars on the recipe card and leave a comment! I appreciate hearing from you and respond to every comment.

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