Turn Instant Pot on “Sauté” – high

Wait for Instant Pot screen to read “On”

Add the bacon, working with a wooden spoon brown the bacon for about 7-8 minutes until crispy

Strain out the bacon, set aside, discard all but 2 tbsp of the bacon grease*

Put the pot back and keep Instant Pot on ‘Sauté” – high

Generously salt the stew beef

Add half the beef to the Instant Pot to brown, work with a wooden spoon and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side

Once the first batch is down, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pot and set aside

Repeat with the remaining beef

Strain the beef out of the pot and get rid of any excess liquid

Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the pot

Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic

Sauté for 4-5 minutes

Add the tomato paste, mix

Set the vegetables aside

Add the flour to the pot and then quickly pour in 1 cup beef broth while whisking

The mixture will thicken, then pour in the second cup of broth and the guinness, whisk to combine

Bring the pot to a boil, add the thyme

Add the bacon, beef and vegetables back to the pot

Add the potatoes (optional)

Switch to “pressure cook” – high mode and set the timer for 30 minutes

Lock the lid and set the valve to “sealing”

When the Instant Pot beeps to indicate it is done, let it naturally pressure release for 5 minutes and then you can quick release using the value

When it is safe to do so, remove the lid 

Serve the stew hot straight from the pot