Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of simmering beef and spices. The Instant Pot Beef Goulash is bubbling away, promising a comforting experience that warms your soul. This dish, rich in flavor and texture, evokes memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the delightful scent of hearty meals. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

As you dip your spoon into this vibrant medley, each bite reveals tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, sparking joy and connection over shared stories and good food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully in the pressure cooker, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love
- Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece at any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings
I’ll never forget that time I made this for my friends during a game night—everyone went back for seconds! Their delighted faces said it all.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut ensures juicy and tender meat; go for about 2-3 pounds for optimal flavor.
- Onions: Use two medium onions; they add sweetness as they sauté and soften.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a robust flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic delight.
- Bell Peppers: One or two bell peppers add color and sweetness; choose your favorite colors for visual appeal.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes serves as the base for our sauce; opt for fire-roasted for extra depth.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness; about 3 cups will do.
- Pasta (Elbow Macaroni): Small pasta shapes absorb the sauce nicely; about 1-2 cups should be perfect.
- Spices (Paprika, Oregano): Smoked paprika adds warmth while dried oregano gives it an earthy note; adjust to taste.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the veggies before cooking; it’s essential for building flavor.
- Sour Cream (for topping): A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances flavors when serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Goulash
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop onions and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces; mince garlic finely so it releases maximum flavor.
Sauté Vegetables: Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Sauté’. Once hot, add olive oil along with onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute—as you inhale that delicious garlicky goodness.
Brown the Beef: Add cubed beef chuck roast to the pot. Sear until browned on all sides—this step builds incredible depth to your goulash’s flavor.
Incorporate Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where magic happens!
Pressure Cook & Add Pasta: Seal the lid and set to ‘Manual’ high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done, quick release steam carefully before adding pasta directly into the pot.
Feel free to stir well! Let it sit for a few minutes while pasta cooks through in residual heat. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Now you’re ready to enjoy an Instant Pot Beef Goulash that not only fills tummies but also warms hearts!
Each step takes you closer to a comforting bowl of deliciousness that’s perfect for any occasion—be it family dinners or cozy nights in front of Netflix. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a symphony of flavors that cooks in no time
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, promising warmth and comfort
- Each bite melts in your mouth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the beef first for a lovely crust, then add veggies and spices before pressure cooking. This method enhances flavor while ensuring everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for an exciting twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Searing the beef not only improves texture but adds depth to the dish
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for garnish to brighten flavors at serving time
- Don’t rush the pressure release; let it happen naturally for best results
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter and love simmered alongside her famous stew. The joy on everyone’s faces was priceless.
FAQ
What can I substitute for beef in Instant Pot Beef Goulash?
Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative in this recipe.
Can I make Instant Pot Beef Goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after resting in the fridge overnight.
How long does it take to cook goulash in an Instant Pot?
The cooking time is about 20 minutes under high pressure, plus some prep time.

Instant Pot Beef Goulash
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Instant Pot Beef Goulash, a hearty dish that combines tender beef, colorful veggies, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and brings everyone to the table. With its warm aroma and vibrant presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop onions and bell pepper; mince garlic.
- Sauté vegetables: Set Instant Pot to 'Sauté', heat olive oil, then add onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic & spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried oregano; cook for another minute.
- Brown the beef: Add cubed beef chuck roast to the pot; sear until browned on all sides.
- Incorporate tomatoes & broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pressure cook & add pasta: Seal the lid and set to 'Manual' high pressure for 20 minutes. After cooking, carefully release steam and stir in elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to allow pasta to cook through with residual heat. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg