Instant Pot Goulash – Clara quick dinners

Instant Pot Goulash is a quick and hearty one-pot dish made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and classic seasonings, all cooked under pressure to maximize flavor in minimal time. This American-style comfort food is perfect for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot cooking means easy cleanup
• Fast, thanks to pressure cooking — ready in under 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand
• Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
• Family-approved comfort food full of flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Bell pepper, chopped
• Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• Diced tomatoes (canned)
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking for a couple of minutes until softened.
3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot and avoid a burn notice.
5. Add elbow macaroni on top—don’t stir. Then pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, again without stirring.
6. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once done, carefully perform a quick release.
7. Stir the mixture well—it will thicken as it rests. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus 10 minutes to reach pressure and release)
• Total Time: About 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño.
• Cheese it up: Stir in mozzarella or use a Mexican blend instead of cheddar.
• Vegetarian: Skip the beef and use plant-based ground meat or extra veggies.
• Pasta options: Try gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta if needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, but cooking times may vary slightly. Short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne work best.

Should I stir before pressure cooking?

No, it’s best not to stir after layering the pasta and sauces. This helps prevent a burn warning.

What if I get a burn warning?

Ensure you deglaze the bottom of the pot after sautéing and avoid stirring ingredients once layered.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely before freezing in individual portions.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure you don’t exceed the max fill line in your Instant Pot.

Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

What can I serve with goulash?

A side salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans go perfectly.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef?

Yes, though the flavor may be slightly lighter.

Is this the same as Hungarian goulash?

No, this is an American-style goulash made with pasta. Hungarian goulash is a stew with paprika and no pasta.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Goulash is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy, hearty, and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and minimal hands-on time, you can have a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s proof that a quick dinner doesn’t have to skimp on flavor.

Print