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If you’re searching for a warm and hearty dish that comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender elbow macaroni mingling with savory ground beef and rich tomatoes, all perfectly cooked under pressure to create a deeply comforting one-pot meal. It’s an ideal escape from the dinner rut, especially on those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious, satisfying, and ready without fuss. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that sing with flavor and deliver a cozy, family-friendly dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with many small white bowls arranged neatly, each holding different ingredients. In the top left, there are bowls containing white salt, white sugar, and black pepper. Next to them, a small bowl holds bright red paprika powder, and below it is another bowl with a thick bright red sauce. On the lower right side of the sauce bowl, there is a larger white bowl filled with soft white cream. Near the top right corner, fresh green parsley lies directly on the white marble. Below the herbs, an amber-colored liquid sits in a small white bowl. At the bottom left, two whole carrots, a round peeled potato, and a small bowl of white rice are placed close to a medium white bowl filled with raw dark red meat. A small bowl with white garlic cloves sits between the meat and the sauces. All ingredients are cleanly arranged and clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Instant Pot goulash is easy because each one is straightforward yet crucial for building that classic rich and hearty flavor and perfect texture. From the savory beef to the tangy tomatoes, every component plays a key role in making this dish shine.

Ground beef (1 lb): The protein base brings hearty flavor and a meaty texture that everyone craves in goulash.
Small onion, diced (1): Adds a sweet sharpness that deepens the savory undertones.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Offers a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Delivers smooth tomato richness as the comforting backdrop.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Brings acidity and chunky texture for depth and bite.
Beef broth (3 cups): Enhances the meatiness and keeps everything juicy—chicken broth works if preferred.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami complexity and a touch of tang that wakes up the flavors.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A fragrant herb blend that infuses the dish with classic Italian flair.
Paprika (1 tsp): Brings a mild warmth and gorgeous color to the mix.
Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Balances and amplifies all the flavors perfectly.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Provides that subtle spiciness that rounds out the palate.
Elbow macaroni, uncooked (2 cups): The classic pasta shape soaks up all the saucy goodness beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): A melty topping that adds indulgent creaminess to each bite.

How to Make Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for an even texture. This step is crucial because it locks in flavor and gives your goulash that meaty depth. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

To the same pot with beef, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes until softened releases their natural sweetness and aroma, layering subtle complexity into the base of your goulash.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Turn off the sauté function. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. These simple additions bring a fantastic balance of acidity, earthiness, and spice that transforms your pot into a flavorful masterpiece.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni right on top of the tomato-beef mixture. Push the noodles gently just below the liquid surface without stirring. This ensures even cooking during pressure, preventing the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Goulash

Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on High Pressure for precisely 4 minutes. Thanks to pressure cooking, the pasta becomes tender and infused with all those savory juices, cutting down cooking time dramatically without sacrificing flavor.

Step 6: Quick Release and Final Touches

Once the cooking time ends, perform a quick release to promptly let out the steam. Open the lid carefully, stir the goulash well, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a luscious finish, top with shredded cheddar cheese while the dish is still hot so it melts beautifully.

How to Serve Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered dish showing elbow macaroni pasta in a light orange sauce mixed evenly with browned ground meat. Visible within the pasta are small pieces of diced green and red bell peppers scattered throughout, creating spots of color against the creamy texture of the noodles and meat. The mixture looks soft and well combined with the sauce coating the layers. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream can also add a cool, creamy contrast to the savory tomato sauce, making each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own as a full meal, but if you want to elevate your dinner, pair the goulash with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. These sides introduce refreshing crunch or buttery softness that complement the rich pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in colorful bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also spoon the goulash into baked bell peppers for a vibrant, wholesome presentation that doubles as a veggie boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Instant Pot goulash in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the goulash into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave portions covered loosely to retain moisture and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work perfectly too. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta type you choose.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I add vegetables to the goulash?

Definitely! Adding bell peppers, corn, or even chopped zucchini during the sauté step adds great texture and nutrition. They cook quickly under pressure and blend seamlessly into the dish.

How spicy is this dish, and can I make it spicier?

The original recipe has a mild warmth from paprika, but if you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the seasonings. Start small and adjust according to your taste.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can omit it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. Worcestershire adds umami depth, but the goulash will still be delicious without it.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe the very next time you want a meal that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, satisfying both kids and adults alike with its simplicity and heartiness. Once you taste how quick and delicious one-pot cooking can be, this cozy goulash will surely become a favorite go-to in your dinner rotation.

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