Instant Pot Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with tender beef, savory tomatoes, and warming spices, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time. This classic Hungarian-inspired dish is traditionally slow-cooked for hours, but with the Instant Pot, you can enjoy rich, robust flavors in under an hour. The combination of paprika, garlic, and a hint of tomato gives the goulash its deep, flavorful base, while the Instant Pot ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this goulash is satisfying, flavorful, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or stew beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (optional for a pasta version)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp paprika (preferably Hungarian paprika)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the beef: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. If you’re using elbow macaroni, add it to the pot at this stage.
- Cook under pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes if using pasta, or 20 minutes if using stew beef. After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by turning the vent to “venting.”
- Finish and serve: Open the Instant Pot and stir. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
This Instant Pot Goulash is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, bringing classic flavors to your table in no time!
