Instant Pot Goulash

Name: Instant Pot Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 bell pepper (chopped); 1 ¾ cups low sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta (uncooked); 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes; 15 ounces canned tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Posted on November 30, 2025

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Instant Pot Goulash is a delightful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, macaroni pasta, and cheese in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight recipe. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also saves you time in the kitchen, making it a go-to choice for busy cooks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 4 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: This goulash is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
Flavorful Comfort Food: The blend of spices and cheesy goodness will warm you from the inside out.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Tools and Preparation

To make Instant Pot Goulash, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Instant Pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Instant Pot: This gadget cooks food quickly under pressure, saving you time while locking in flavors.
Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients efficiently and safely.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

Instant Pot Goulash is an easy one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and cheese in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This comfort food classic is family-friendly and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 bell pepper (chopped)
– 1 ¾ cups low sodium beef broth (or chicken broth, equal to a 14.5 ounce can)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
– 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta (uncooked, 9 ounces by weight)
– 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes
– 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot Goulash

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

Press Saute on the Instant Pot. When the pot is hot:
1. Add the ground beef and cook until browned while crumbling it into smaller pieces.
2. Drain excess grease if desired.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion to the pot:
1. Cook until softened, which takes about 2 minutes.
2. Next, add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper; stir for another minute.
3. Press Cancel to turn off the sauté function.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the broth:
1. Stir well while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
2. Add Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.

Step 4: Layer Pasta and Tomatoes

Add uncooked elbow macaroni:
1. Press it down into an even layer but do not stir—it’s okay if some pasta isn’t covered by liquid.
2. Spoon diced tomatoes and tomato sauce on top without mixing.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid:
1. Move the steam release valve to sealing position.
2. Set cook time to 4 minutes at high pressure. The pot will take about 15 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts.

Step 6: Release Pressure

When cooking ends:
1. Carefully move the valve to venting position for a quick release of pressure.
2. Once the pin drops down, open the lid carefully.

Step 7: Final Touches

The goulash may appear slightly watery:
1. Stir gently; any excess liquid will be absorbed as you mix.
2. Finally, mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Serve warm with chopped fresh parsley on top if desired!

How to Serve Instant Pot Goulash

Serving Instant Pot Goulash is a delightful experience, as this dish is both comforting and versatile. You can pair it with various sides or toppings to enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Basil Leaves – Add whole basil leaves to bring an aromatic touch that complements the dish.

With Extra Cheese

Shredded Cheese – Offer additional shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses for those who love a cheesy finish.
Parmesan – Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for a rich, nutty flavor.

With Bread

Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the goulash.
Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

With Salad

Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the hearty goulash.
Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with mixed greens provides lightness alongside the meal.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Goulash

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Goulash, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Browning – Make sure to brown the beef well; this enhances flavor through caramelization.
Layering Ingredients – Add pasta on top of the liquid without stirring to prevent sticking during cooking.
Quick Release Care – When releasing steam, do so carefully to avoid burns from hot steam.
Taste Adjustments – Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; each ingredient can vary in intensity.
Cheese Variations – Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for unique flavors.
Leftover Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Goulash

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Goulash can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery, this bread is perfect for mopping up sauces.
Steamed Broccoli – Bright green and nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch to your meal.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad balances the richness of goulash with fresh flavors.
Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw provides texture and a tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and variety, complementing the main dish beautifully.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are fun and satisfying, making them a great finger food option alongside goulash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when cooking Instant Pot Goulash. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Boldly skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the ground beef and vegetables enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
Ignoring liquid ratios: Not adding enough liquid can lead to burning. Always ensure you have adequate broth, especially with pasta.
Stirring after adding pasta: Stirring can cause the pasta to clump together. Instead, layer it on top of the liquid without mixing.
Overcooking the goulash: Setting the timer too long can result in mushy pasta. Stick to the recommended 4 minutes for perfect texture.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so always check your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Allow goulash to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Instant Pot Goulash

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Instant Pot Goulash

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place goulash in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Stovetop: Add goulash to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Goulash?

Instant Pot Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and cheese in a savory tomato sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

How do I make Instant Pot Goulash gluten-free?

To make Instant Pot Goulash gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I customize Instant Pot Goulash?

Yes! You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach or swap out ground beef for chicken or turkey for different flavors.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Goulash?

The total time includes about 15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure and then just 4 minutes of cooking time once at high pressure.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavors.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Goulash is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Its comforting flavors make it a family favorite that can be customized with your choice of vegetables and proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!