If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and endlessly satisfying meal, this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, packed with tender ground beef, tender elbow noodles, and a deeply flavorful tomato and beef broth blend. And the best part? It all comes together in your Instant Pot in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. You’ll love how this recipe delivers rich taste with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each element is essential: from the seasoned ground beef giving it savory depth, the aromatic spices adding zest, to the tender noodles that bring the right texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: Use lean beef to balance flavor with less grease and help the dish stay light.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: I love Lawry’s for a perfect blend of herbs and saltiness that enhances the meat.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that savory, aromatic punch.
- 2 15oz cans diced tomatoes: Provide a robust tomato base with bits of texture.
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce: Gives a smooth richness that envelops the noodles and meat.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy umami complexity and depth.
- 3 cups beef broth: The liquid hero that infuses everything with hearty, beefy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness to round out the herb profile.
- 2 large bay leaves: These provide fragrant warmth while cooking, removed before serving.
- 2 cups dry elbow noodles: The classic pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning tailored to your preference.
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The melty, cheesy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Make Instant Pot Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Once hot, add the ground beef along with minced garlic, seasoned salt, pepper, and chopped onions. This step is where the flavors begin to build. Cook the meat until it’s fully browned and the onions soften, releasing their sweetness. Browning the meat also develops those brown bits on the pot’s bottom that add incredible flavor later.
Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients and Noodles
After the meat has browned, drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy. Then stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried parsley, oregano, dry elbow noodles, and bay leaves. Give everything a good mix to evenly distribute the ingredients. Set your Instant Pot to manual high-pressure for exactly 5 minutes. Once finished, perform a quick pressure release to keep the noodles perfectly tender without overcooking.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Final Stir
Carefully remove the bay leaves and give the whole mixture a thorough stir. Stir in half a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash, creating a creamy texture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on the top, close the lid (no need to seal), and allow the cheese to melt from the residual heat, turning the dish delectably gooey and cheesy. This final cheesy flourish makes the Instant Pot Goulash Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Instant Pot Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few fresh basil leaves brightens the dish and adds a pop of color, creating a pretty contrast against the warm reds and browns of the goulash. For a little extra indulgence, consider a dollop of sour cream on top—it adds creaminess and cools down the robust flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Your Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad enlivened by a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread really elevates the experience. These sides add texture contrasts and freshness to complement the hearty pasta and beef mixture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this goulash in mini casserole dishes or even inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation. You could also layer it with shredded cheese in a baking dish and broil the top for a crispy cheese crust. This recipe adapts well to both casual family dinners and more festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep lunches or quick dinners that don’t skimp on comfort.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe for up to 3 months. Freeze the cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s a lifesaver to have ready-made meals for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it covered, stopping to stir halfway to ensure even heating, making it quick and easy to enjoy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow noodles are classic, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta size and shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, for a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Omit the cheese or use plant-based shreds to keep it vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this goulash? Can I make it spicier?
This recipe is mild and comforting by design. If you enjoy more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking to kick it up to your preferred spice level.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but be cautious not to exceed the max fill line of your Instant Pot. Larger quantities might need a slightly longer pressure cooking time and additional liquid.
Why is there a quick release after pressure cooking?
The quick release stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the noodles from becoming mushy. Since pasta cooks fast, this step ensures perfect texture every time in the Instant Pot Goulash Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is a true weeknight wonder that combines speed, simplicity, and soul-satisfying flavors in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, it promises comfort without fuss. Give this recipe a try—it might just become your new go-to for cozy dinners that warm you from the inside out.
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Instant Pot Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef, tender elbow noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all cooked quickly under high pressure, it’s a delicious and cheesy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (Lawry’s recommended)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (adjusted for accuracy)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large bay leaves
- Kosher salt and additional pepper to taste
Tomato and Broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups dry elbow noodles
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Vegetables: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it heat up. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, seasoned salt, black pepper, and chopped onion. Cook while stirring occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Set Pressure Cooking: If necessary, drain excess fat from the pot. Next, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried parsley, dried oregano, dry elbow noodles, and bay leaves into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Add Cheese: Once cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure. Remove the bay leaves and stir everything well. Stir in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts evenly throughout the goulash. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, replace the lid (do not seal), and allow the cheese to melt into the hot food for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain fat after browning the beef to reduce grease and improve flavor.
- You can substitute elbow noodles with any small pasta shape of your choice.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Ensure a quick release is performed carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Cheese topping can be substituted with mozzarella or a cheese blend for variation.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
