If you love comfort food that comes together quickly but never sacrifices flavor, this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is going to become your new weeknight superstar. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s bursting with depth from simple seasonings and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. It’s a hearty, cozy dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, and the best part? Your Instant Pot does most of the work in mere minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. There are vibrant red spices, bright yellow oil, and thick red sauce in separate bowls. Fresh herbs with green leaves are on the right side. Whole orange carrots and a light brown potato are placed on the surface, along with a bowl of raw red meat and a bowl of chopped white onions. All the ingredients are clean and distinct, creating a colorful and organized layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe right comes down to a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the perfect balance of meaty richness, tangy tomato goodness, and that satisfying comforting texture we all crave.

1 lb ground beef: The star protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture.
1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic intensity to brighten the dish.
2 cups beef broth: Brings moisture and a savory backbone to the sauce.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The smooth, tangy base of the dish’s signature sauce.
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh burst of tomato flavor.
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the sauce perfectly.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and adds subtle complexity.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in herbal goodness.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything to life.
1 cup shredded cheddar (optional for topping): Melts into a creamy finish that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function to brown the ground beef along with diced onion. This step develops deep, caramelized flavors that elevate the entire dish. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender, then drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Ingredients

Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. These contribute the luscious, saucy base you want in an Instant Pot Goulash Recipe. Don’t forget to add Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning now — these bring a rich, layered flavor profile that truly makes the dish sing.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni

Carefully add your uncooked elbow macaroni on top of the sauce mixture. It’s important to avoid stirring at this point to prevent the pasta from sticking and clumping during pressure cooking.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook time to 4 minutes. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures the pasta cooks perfectly while absorbing all that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Quick Release and Serve

Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully, stir the goulash to combine everything evenly, and if you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar on top to melt into gooey, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

A white bowl filled with a three-layered dish starting with a bottom layer of cooked macaroni pasta with a soft, pale yellow color. The middle layer consists of browned ground meat with a crumbly texture, mixed evenly throughout. The top layer shows scattered pieces of diced bell peppers in green and red, adding vibrant color spots over the dish. The food looks moist with a slight shine from sauce coating everything, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cheddar topping is a classic, you can also garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream can add an irresistible creaminess that balances the tomato’s acidity.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Goulash Recipe stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies creates a wonderfully balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the goulash in mini bread bowls for individual servings that wow at casual dinners or game days. You can also layer leftovers into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting baked goulash dish the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Instant Pot Goulash Recipe fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to four days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This goulash freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and you’ll have a ready-made meal for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative and works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind it cooks more quickly, so you might want to sauté it gently to avoid drying it out before adding the other ingredients.

Do I have to use elbow macaroni?

Elbow macaroni is traditional and holds sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep cook times similar to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Is this recipe spicy?

Nope! This Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is mild and family-friendly. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to kick up the heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, swap out ground beef for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still comforting and satisfying.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can make this on the stovetop as well, though it will take longer. Brown the beef and onion in a pot, add the remaining ingredients, simmer until pasta is tender, and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a satisfying meal that comes together fast without skimping on flavor, this Instant Pot Goulash Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of simple ingredients and bold, comforting tastes, proving that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Instant Pot Goulash Recipe