There’s something spectacular about a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Beef Goulash, with its rich, savory aroma wafting through the air and beckoning you to dig in. Imagine tender chunks of beef swimming in a thick, luscious sauce, mingling perfectly with al dente pasta that’s ready to soak up every bit of flavor. Each bite is an explosion of warmth and comfort that wraps around you like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

This dish isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating memories. Picture a cozy family gathering where laughter fills the room as everyone reaches for another helping. Or perhaps it’s a rainy day when you just need something hearty and comforting to lift your spirits. Whatever the occasion, Instant Pot Beef Goulash promises a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash offers incredible flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare
- The one-pot nature means less cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- With its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to impress at any dinner party
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand
Every time I serve this dish, my friends and family rave about it! One memorable evening, my cousin literally licked his plate clean—talk about a compliment!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: Use well-marbled cuts for tenderness; they break down nicely during cooking.
- Onion: A large onion adds sweetness; make sure to chop it finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers fantastic flavor; opt for 3-4 cloves for a robust taste.
- Bell Peppers: Use any color you like; they add crunch and sweetness to the dish.
- Pasta (Macaroni or Egg Noodles): Choose your favorite type; these noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient and add acidity; look for those packed in juice.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
- Paprika (Smoked or Sweet): Paprika adds warmth; I prefer smoked for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the dish’s flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Goulash
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients, chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers into small pieces. This will help everything cook evenly.
Sauté the Beef: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and sear beef chunks until browned on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion and garlic after browning the meat. Cook until they’re fragrant and onions become translucent—around 2-3 minutes should do.
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Stir in bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where all those flavors come together!
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” mode at high pressure for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to ensure the steam valve is sealed!
Final Touches with Pasta: Once cooking time is up, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before switching to quick release. Open the lid carefully! Stir in uncooked pasta right into the goulash mixture and let sit for an additional 5 minutes—this allows them to absorb all that delicious sauce.
There you have it—a warm bowl of comfort! Serve topped with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy every mouthful while basking in glory as dinner hero! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a hearty meal that warms the soul
- The rich aroma of spices and tender beef will fill your kitchen, making it an instant family favorite
- Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the Instant Pot to build flavor, then brown the beef before adding remaining ingredients for optimal results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the beef for ground turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or use the microwave for convenience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality beef for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Avoid overcooking; it can make your goulash tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth delicious
- Letting it rest after cooking enhances flavors beautifully, so be patient!
Cooking this dish reminds me of a chilly night when my friends gathered around my table. The laughter mixed with the goulash aromas created a cozy atmosphere that we still talk about!
FAQ
What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Goulash?
Pair this dish with crusty bread or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Beef Goulash?
Absolutely! It freezes well and can last up to three months in the freezer.
How do I thicken my goulash?
You can thicken your goulash by adding a cornstarch slurry during cooking or letting it simmer without the lid.
Instant Pot Beef Goulash
Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and pasta in a rich sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this one-pot meal is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. With its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 2 cups macaroni or egg noodles
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil and brown the beef chunks for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in bell peppers, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to 'Manual' mode at high pressure for 20 minutes.
- After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before switching to quick release.
- Stir in uncooked pasta and let sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping out the beef for ground turkey or adding extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.