Posted by Hearty Instant Pot Goulash: A Comforting Classic Made Easy
Old-fashioned goulash is a hearty, satisfying meal that brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners. With the Instant Pot, you can recreate this beloved dish in less than an hour, blending the rich flavors of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, delivering both convenience and classic taste.
Why Instant Pot Goulash is Your Go-To Family Meal
A Timeless Comfort Food
Instant Pot Goulash is a twist on a traditional favorite, known for its simple ingredients and big flavors. This recipe combines the essence of old-school cooking with modern kitchen efficiency, giving you a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Quick and Efficient Cooking:
Using the Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time while ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully. You can achieve the rich, slow-cooked taste of traditional goulash in just 45 minutes.
Versatile Ingredients:
This recipe is forgiving and allows for customization. Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
Goulash stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Simply reheat and enjoy a homemade meal in minutes.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Lean Ground Beef:
Using lean ground beef reduces excess grease while delivering robust flavor.
Yellow Onions and Garlic:
These aromatics are the base of the dish, providing depth and a savory kick.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes:
These ingredients form the heart of the goulash, creating a rich, tangy sauce that coats every bite.
Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce:
These add umami and enhance the dish’s meaty flavor.
Elbow Macaroni:
The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and cutting down on dishes.
Cheddar Cheese:
A finishing touch of cheese adds creaminess and extra indulgence to each serving.
Tips for Perfect Goulash Every Time
1. Deglaze the Pot:
After browning the meat, use beef broth to scrape up any browned bits. This prevents the Instant Pot from showing a burn warning and adds extra flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Set the timer carefully. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta. Use a quick release to stop the cooking process immediately.
3. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste and tweak the seasoning before serving. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick.
4. Remove Bay Leaves:
Bay leaves add subtle flavor during cooking but should be removed before serving.
Customizing Your Goulash
Vegetarian Version:
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add Veggies:
Mix in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Cheese Variations:
Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
Part 2: Simple Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups water
- (2) 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- (2) 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, onions, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Base Ingredients: Stir in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni and stir until evenly distributed.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Perform a quick release when the cooking cycle is complete.
- Stir and Adjust: Carefully remove the lid and stir the goulash. Turn off the keep-warm setting to prevent overcooking the pasta. Remove the bay leaves.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Fun Variations to Try
- Southwestern Goulash: Add corn, black beans, and chili powder for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Creamy Goulash: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving for a richer texture.
- Herbed Delight: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top for a burst of freshness.
This Instant Pot Goulash recipe is a hearty, versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and make mealtime a breeze!
