Imagine a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Beef Goulash, where tender beef mingles with rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, creating a warm hug for your taste buds. The savory scent wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation as the goulash simmers away, transforming into a comforting masterpiece.

This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the room and stories were shared over heaping bowls of this delightful comfort food. Whether on chilly evenings or busy weeknights, nothing beats the satisfaction of digging into a hearty serving of goulash that warms both the heart and soul. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The robust flavors will have everyone at the table asking for seconds
- It’s visually appealing, with vibrant tomatoes and colorful veggies that brighten up any meal
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or paired with noodles or rice
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles to my family’s faces as they dig into their bowls with gusto.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for flavor without too much fat.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; choose one that’s firm and fresh.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic kick; avoid pre-minced for better flavor.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers to add sweetness and visual appeal; red and yellow work great.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide juiciness; go for those packed in juice for extra flavor.
Beef Broth: Rich beef broth enhances depth; low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional; feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape for variety.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the dish to another level.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives a fragrant lift; store-bought works fine here.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and enhancing flavors; use extra virgin if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Goulash
Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and let it heat up before throwing in chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in minced garlic and ground beef next. Cook until the beef browns beautifully, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains—about 5-7 minutes should do.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes alongside beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. This will add incredible depth to your goulash as it cooks under pressure.
Add Pasta and Seasonings: Toss in elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir before sealing the lid on your Instant Pot.
Pressure Cook: Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once done, allow it to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes before doing a quick release—watch out for steam!
Serve Warm: Open the lid cautiously once all steam is released. Stir well before ladling this comforting goulash into bowls. Top with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you have an amazing dish ready to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen! Enjoy every bite of this flavor-packed comfort food that everyone will love!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, promising comfort and satisfaction
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s versatile enough to please everyone’s palate while being quick to prepare
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, brown the beef in the Instant Pot to enhance its flavor. Then add onions and garlic for aroma before tossing in the rest of the ingredients and pressure cooking until everything is tender and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also experiment with different spices or add bell peppers for extra color and flavor, making this recipe your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth to revive the flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender beef, ensure you sear it properly before pressure cooking
- Always allow natural release after cooking to let flavors meld
- Don’t skip the garnishes; they elevate presentation and taste significantly
The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their smiles were priceless as they devoured every last bit, proving that a good meal creates lasting memories.
FAQ
What type of beef is best for Instant Pot Beef Goulash?
Chuck roast works great due to its tenderness when cooked under pressure.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, but increase cooking time by about five minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
How do I thicken my goulash if it’s too watery?
Mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the goulash while simmering for thickness.

Instant Pot Beef Goulash
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- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Instant Pot Beef Goulash, where tender ground beef meets vibrant veggies in a savory tomato sauce. Ready in under an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its warm aroma and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (packed in juice)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Heat olive oil, then add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned and no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Mix in elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well before sealing the lid.
- Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the lid once steam is released. Stir and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg