When you need a warm, hearty dinner that’s both easy and delicious, this Instant Pot Beef Goulash is the answer. It’s packed with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and comforting pasta, all cooked in one pot for a fuss-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a bowl of cozy goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot meal – Everything cooks right in the Instant Pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean!
Full of flavor – The beef and spices create a deep, rich taste in no time.
Quick and easy – Unlike traditional goulash, which can take hours, this version is ready in under 30 minutes.
Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients to create a satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients – the full list is below.

Ground beef – Lean beef works best for a rich, meaty flavor.
Onion & garlic – The base for amazing flavor.
Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes – Create the perfect savory sauce.
Beef broth – Adds depth and keeps everything tender.
Elbow macaroni – Classic pasta that soaks up all the flavors.
Paprika & Italian seasoning – A must for that classic goulash taste.

Step-by-Step Directions

Sauté the Beef and Onion

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Turn off Sauté mode. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.

Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release to release the pressure.

Stir and Serve

Give the goulash a good stir. If it looks too thick, add a little more broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Deglaze the pot – After sautéing the beef, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent a burn warning.
Use the right pasta – Elbow macaroni works best because it cooks quickly and holds its shape.
Make it cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end for extra creaminess.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Use ground turkey – Swap the beef for turkey for a lighter version.
Try different pasta – Shells or rotini can be used instead of macaroni.
Add veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini add extra nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Side salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
Grated cheese – A sprinkle of parmesan or shredded mozzarella takes it up a notch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with stew beef instead of ground beef?

Yes! Cut the beef into small pieces and sauté as directed, then pressure cook for 20 minutes before adding the pasta.

What if my goulash is too thick?

Just stir in a little more broth or water to loosen it up.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can make it on the stovetop by simmering everything for about 20 minutes until the pasta is cooked.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, but it may need an extra minute of pressure cooking.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is the ultimate comfort meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Serve it with some crusty bread, top with cheese, and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness.

Cozy Instant Pot Beef Goulash – A One-Pot Comfort Meal

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a hearty, one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Packed with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy while still delivering deep, savory flavors that taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American, Hungarian-inspired

Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef and Onion

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Turn off Sauté mode. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

3. Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.

4. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
Once the time is up, do a quick release to release the pressure.

5. Stir and Serve

Give the goulash a good stir. If it looks too thick, add a little more broth or water.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Deglaze the pot – After sautéing the beef, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent a burn warning.
Make it cheesier – Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end for extra creaminess.
Adjust thickness – If the goulash thickens too much after cooking, add a little more broth or water to loosen it up.