Instant Pot Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef
American goulash with ground beef and elbow macaroni, cooked in one pot in 5 minutes at pressure. Amounts for 1 lb, 1½ lb, 2 lb or 3 lb of beef.
- 5 minutes at pressure
- One pot
- 1 lb option
- Family dinner
This goulash recipe is the American classic: ground beef, tomatoes and elbow macaroni in one pot. In the Instant Pot the dry pasta cooks right in the sauce in 5 minutes, so there is nothing to boil or drain.
Quick answer
For an Instant Pot goulash recipe, brown 1½ lb ground beef with onion, bell pepper and garlic. Deglaze, then add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, 2 cups beef broth and seasonings. Layer 2 cups dry elbow macaroni on top without stirring. Cook 5 minutes at high pressure, quick release and stir in cheddar.
Ground beef, tomato and macaroni in one pot.
American Goulash vs Hungarian Goulash
| American goulash | Hungarian goulash | |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | American goulashGround beef | Hungarian goulashCubed beef chuck or shank |
| Base | American goulashTomato sauce and diced tomatoes | Hungarian goulashOnions and a large amount of paprika |
| Starch | American goulashElbow macaroni cooked in the pot | Hungarian goulashPotatoes, small dumplings or bread on the side |
| Time | American goulashAbout 30 minutes | Hungarian goulash2 hours or more |
| Also called | American goulashSlumgullion, American chop suey | Hungarian goulashGulyás |
This is the American version, the one with ground beef and macaroni. The smoked paprika is a nod to the Hungarian original.
Ingredients
Nothing unusual on the list.
| Ingredient | Why | Swap |
|---|---|---|
| IngredientGround beef, 85/15 | WhyEnough fat for flavor without a greasy sauce | SwapGround turkey or chicken |
| IngredientOnion, bell pepper, garlic | WhyThe flavor base | SwapFrozen diced onion and pepper |
| IngredientDiced tomatoes and tomato sauce | WhyBody and liquid for the pasta | SwapCrushed tomatoes |
| IngredientTomato paste | WhyDepth and thickness | SwapLeave out for a lighter sauce |
| IngredientBeef broth | WhyThe thin liquid the pot needs to reach pressure | SwapChicken broth or water |
| IngredientElbow macaroni | WhyThe classic shape | SwapSmall shells or rotini |
| IngredientWorcestershire sauce | WhySavory depth | SwapSoy sauce |
| IngredientCheddar | WhyStirred in at the end | SwapColby Jack or mozzarella |
Instant Pot Goulash Recipe
The card is set for 1½ lb of ground beef, which serves 6. Tap 1 lb, 2 lb or 3 lb.
Instant Pot Goulash
Ground beef, tomatoes and elbow macaroni cooked together under pressure. Tap the amount of beef and every amount updates.
Ground beef
Ingredients
Instant Pot goulash
- 1 lb1½ lb2 lb3 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 small1 medium1 large2 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ large1 medium1 large2 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3458 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz)1 can (15 oz)1 can (28 oz)2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz)1 can (15 oz)1 can (15 oz)2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp1 can (6 oz)1 can (6 oz)2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
- 1½ cups2 cups2½ cups4 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups2 cups2¾ cups4 cups elbow macaroni, dry
- 4 tsp2 tbsp2½ tbsp¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp1½ tsp2 tsp1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp1 tsp1¼ tsp2 tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp1 tsp1¼ tsp2 tsp garlic powder and onion powder, each
- ¾ tsp1 tsp1¼ tsp2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp½ tsp½ tsp1 tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup1 cup1⅓ cups2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
Do not stir after adding the pasta. Pasta and tomato paste on the bottom of the pot are what trigger the burn warning.
Instructions
Brown the beef
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on high. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up, for 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains. Spoon off excess fat.
Soften the vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
Deglaze
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and a splash of the broth. Scrape every browned bit off the bottom of the pot. This prevents the burn warning.
Add the liquids
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, the rest of the broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir well. Press Cancel.
Layer the pasta
Scatter the dry macaroni evenly over the top and press it down gently so it is just under the liquid. Do not stir. Spoon the tomato paste on top, also without stirring.
Pressure cook
Lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Quick release
Release the pressure right away. Open the lid and stir well. The sauce thickens as it stands for 3 to 5 minutes.
Finish
Stir in the cheddar until melted, taste for salt and serve.
Tools for Instant Pot Goulash
The pot, and a few things that make cleanup easy.
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Instant Pot Goulash with 1 lb of Ground Beef
One pound of beef is the most common package size, so here is that version on its own.
| Ingredient | Amount for 1 lb of beef |
|---|---|
| IngredientGround beef | Amount for 1 lb of beef1 lb |
| IngredientOnion, bell pepper, garlic | Amount for 1 lb of beef1 small onion, ½ large pepper, 3 cloves |
| IngredientDiced tomatoes | Amount for 1 lb of beef1 can (14.5 oz), undrained |
| IngredientTomato sauce | Amount for 1 lb of beef1 can (8 oz) |
| IngredientTomato paste | Amount for 1 lb of beef2 tbsp |
| IngredientBeef broth | Amount for 1 lb of beef1½ cups |
| IngredientDry elbow macaroni | Amount for 1 lb of beef1½ cups |
| IngredientSeasonings | Amount for 1 lb of beef4 tsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ¾ tsp each smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt |
| IngredientCheddar | Amount for 1 lb of beef⅔ cup |
The method and the time do not change: 5 minutes at high pressure, quick release. It serves 4.
Tips for the Best Goulash
Press the pasta down so it is just under the liquid.
Deglaze well
Scrape the pot clean after browning. Stuck bits cause the burn warning.
Layer, do not stir
Liquid on the bottom, pasta and paste on top.
Quick release
A natural release overcooks the macaroni.
Rest before serving
Five minutes with the lid off thickens the sauce.
Cheese last
Stir it in after cooking so it melts smoothly.
Salt at the end
Broth and canned tomatoes vary in salt.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| ProblemBurn warning | CauseFood stuck to the bottom | FixRelease, scrape the bottom, add ¼ cup broth and restart |
| ProblemToo thin | CauseJust opened | FixRest 5 minutes, or sauté 2 to 3 minutes |
| ProblemToo thick | CausePasta absorbed the liquid | FixStir in a splash of hot broth |
| ProblemMushy pasta | CauseNatural release or too long at pressure | FixQuick release as soon as the timer ends |
| ProblemFirm pasta | CausePasta sat above the liquid | FixStir, cover and rest 5 minutes on Keep Warm |
Variations
A full pot for six.
Tap one:
Stovetop
Brown the beef and vegetables in a large pot, add everything else, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
Extra Cheesy
Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese with the cheddar and top each bowl with more.
Ground Turkey
Swap in ground turkey and add 1 tbsp oil for browning.
Spicy
Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes and use fire-roasted tomatoes.
More Vegetables
Stir in 1 cup frozen corn or a diced zucchini after cooking and rest 5 minutes.
Hungarian Style
Raise the paprika to 1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika and add ½ tsp caraway seeds.
Storage and Reheating
| What | How | Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| WhatRefrigerator | HowSealed container | KeepsUp to 4 days |
| WhatFreezer | HowFreezer bags, flattened | KeepsUp to 3 months |
| WhatReheat, stovetop | HowLow heat with a splash of broth | Keeps5 to 8 minutes |
| WhatReheat, microwave | HowCovered, stirred once | Keeps2 minutes per serving |
Instant Pot Goulash: FAQs
How long do you cook goulash in the Instant Pot?
Five minutes on high pressure with a quick release. Allow about 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure, so the whole dish takes around 30 minutes including browning the beef.
How do you make Instant Pot goulash with 1 lb of ground beef?
Use 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups beef broth and 1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni. The cooking time stays the same: 5 minutes at high pressure.
Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
No. American goulash is a one-pot dish of ground beef, tomato sauce and elbow macaroni. Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked stew of beef chunks, onions and a large amount of paprika, usually without pasta. This recipe is the American version with a little paprika for warmth.
Do you cook the macaroni before adding it?
No. The dry macaroni cooks in the sauce under pressure. Layer it on top of the liquid and press it down without stirring.
Why did the Instant Pot say burn?
Something stuck to the bottom. Deglaze thoroughly after browning the beef, keep the tomato paste and pasta on top instead of stirring them in, and make sure there is enough thin liquid in the pot.
Can you use a different pasta?
Yes. Small shells, rotini and cavatappi all work. As a rule, pressure cook for half of the package time minus 1 minute.
Can you make goulash on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Brown the beef and vegetables in a large pot, add everything else including the dry macaroni, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender.
Can you double the recipe?
Yes, in an 8-quart pot. Use the 3 lb column in the recipe card. The pressure time stays at 5 minutes, though the pot takes longer to come to pressure.
How do you thicken goulash?
Let it stand with the lid off for 5 minutes; the pasta keeps absorbing liquid. For a thicker pot, use the Sauté setting for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring.
Can you freeze goulash?
Yes, for up to 3 months. The pasta softens a little when thawed. Reheat with a splash of broth.
How long does goulash keep in the refrigerator?
Up to 4 days in a sealed container. It thickens as it sits, so add a little broth or water when reheating.
Can you use ground turkey?
Yes. Use the same amount of ground turkey or ground chicken and add 1 tablespoon of oil for browning, since both are leaner.
What do you serve with goulash?
Garlic bread, a green salad, steamed green beans or cornbread.
More Easy Beef Dinners
One pot, family size.
Deglaze, layer, five minutes.
Pin this Instant Pot goulash recipe for a fast family dinner.