Sometimes, you just need a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and satisfying from the first bite to the last. That’s where this Instant Pot Beef Goulash comes in! It’s a one-pot wonder that combines tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The Instant Pot makes everything come together in a fraction of the time, so you get all the comforting flavors of a traditional goulash without the long cooking time. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something filling and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is tasty, this beef goulash is going to be your new best friend. The Instant Pot does most of the work, so you can just toss everything in and let it do its magic. The result? A savory, tomato-based dish with tender beef and pasta that’s perfectly cooked and infused with all the flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients you’ll need:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Olive oil
The full list of ingredients is down below, but these are the essential items that create the rich, savory base of this goulash.
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Once the beef is cooked through, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. This will create the rich, flavorful base for your goulash.
Step 3: Season the Goulash
Now, it’s time to season. Add paprika, salt, and pepper, giving everything a good stir to ensure the flavors are well-distributed. The paprika is key here—it adds a smoky, earthy depth that takes this dish to the next level.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Next, add the uncooked elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) to the pot. Stir it in, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Don’t worry about the pasta cooking evenly on the first stir; the Instant Pot will take care of that.
Step 5: Cook Under Pressure
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Yes, just 5 minutes! The pressure will cook the pasta perfectly while infusing it with the savory flavors of the beef and tomatoes.
Step 6: Release the Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by switching the valve to “Venting.” Let the steam escape, then open the lid. Give the goulash a good stir—everything should be perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, saucy mixture. Serve hot, topped with a little grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, so keep an eye on your cooking time. If you let it cook too long, you might end up with mushy pasta!
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a little heat. It pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors.
- Customize the Veggies: You can sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a lighter version, go for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content, but keep in mind that a little fat helps build flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free alternative, or serve the goulash with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute or simply increase the amount of veggies and beans to create a hearty vegetarian version.
- Different Pasta: Swap out elbow macaroni for penne, rotini, or any small pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure it’s small enough to cook quickly in the Instant Pot.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This beef goulash is rich and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds an extra layer of comfort, and fresh parsley or basil can brighten it up. For something a bit fancier, pair it with a glass of red wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even better the next day!
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a little extra beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb a lot of liquid as it sits.
4 FAQs
- Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary, though 5 minutes of pressure cooking should still work well. - Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! As long as you use a small pasta shape, it should work fine. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using larger pasta. - What can I serve with beef goulash?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables would pair nicely with this dish. - Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Beef Goulash is the perfect weeknight dinner: rich, comforting, and quick to make. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a one-pot meal, and it packs a ton of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just craving some cozy comfort food, this goulash will not disappoint. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!
Print
Instant Pot Beef Goulash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (including 5 minutes of pressure cooking and time to come to pressure)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty, comforting dish combines tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal. It’s packed with savory flavors and is the ultimate one-pot comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef and Veggies: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
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Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine.
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Season the Goulash: Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
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Cook Under Pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
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Release the Pressure and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by switching the valve to “Venting.” Open the lid and stir the goulash. Serve hot with optional grated cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Pasta Tips: Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it can become mushy in the Instant Pot. Stick to 5 minutes for perfectly cooked pasta.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the goulash.
- Vegetable Options: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when sautéing the onions and garlic for extra veggies.
- Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a lighter version, but a little fat adds flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg