Easy & Quick Instant Pot Goulash Recipe: Your New Go-To Ground Beef Dinner!

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Win dinner tonight with this incredibly quick and easy Instant Pot Goulash! This hearty ground beef goulash is not just one of our family’s favorite pressure cooker recipes; we’re absolutely positive it will become a beloved staple in your home too. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a delicious, fuss-free meal!

As a parent, the nightly dinner question often feels like a broken record. “What do you want for dinner?” usually elicits one of two responses from my kids: spaghetti or pizza. Every. Single. Time. While we absolutely adore our Instant Pot Spaghetti and even our Instant Pot Pizza, sometimes you just need to switch things up. And that, my friend, is precisely where this fantastic Instant Pot Goulash recipe comes to the rescue.

When the millionth request for spaghetti rolls in, I simply pivot to this savory ground beef goulash. It’s a comforting, filling meal that appeases even the pickiest eaters while offering a delicious change of pace. Plus, the sheer ease of preparing it in the Instant Pot makes it a true weeknight champion. If you’re looking for an effortless, flavor-packed dish that cooks in minutes, you’ve found your new favorite.

Why This Instant Pot Goulash Is Your New Weeknight Hero

Life can be a whirlwind, and for many of us, finding time for elaborate meal prep is a constant challenge. This past month, I’ve been on a mission to hit the gym daily – a perfect strategy for breaking my kids’ post-school electronics habit and helping me shed those stubborn pregnancy pounds. The only drawback? My brain often feels like a scatterplot; meal planning is definitely not my superpower. And with five hungry mouths to feed, a lack of planning often leads to more fast food runs than I care to admit.

This is precisely why I absolutely adore this Instant Pot Goulash recipe. The entire dinner, from start to finish, is done in under 15 minutes! This remarkable speed means we can squeeze in nightly reading homework, enjoy quality family time, and still gather around the table for a delicious, home-cooked meal – even on those chaotic nights when I’ve completely forgotten to plan ahead. The Instant Pot transforms a potentially time-consuming dish into a swift and satisfying reality, making it an indispensable tool for busy households.

The Secret Ingredient for Unforgettable Flavor

Before you dive into cooking, there’s one quick note about this Instant Pot Goulash that sets it apart. While very few of our family recipes boast a “secret ingredient,” this one truly does. It might seem a little unusual, but adding a touch of soy sauce into this Instant Pot Goulash unleashes an incredible depth of flavor and an umami magic that fills this dish with all sorts of YUM!

The soy sauce doesn’t make the goulash taste Asian; instead, it amplifies the savory notes of the beef and tomatoes, creating a richer, more complex profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. You could certainly leave it out if you prefer, but personally, I would never make this goulash in my pressure cooker without it! It’s that transformative touch that elevates a simple dish into something truly special.

Understanding American Goulash

When we talk about “goulash” in American kitchens, we’re typically referring to a distinct dish from its Hungarian counterpart. American Goulash, also known as “Johnny Marzetti” or “Slumgullion,” is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the ultimate one-pot comfort food, beloved for its simplicity, affordability, and incredibly satisfying taste. This Instant Pot version takes all the classic elements of American Goulash and makes them even easier and faster to achieve, perfect for a modern, busy lifestyle.

Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

Yield: 4-6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 14 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cups elbow noodles (uncooked)
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 1/2 cups water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics and Beef: Turn your Instant Pot on to the “Sauté” function and allow the inner pot to heat up. Once hot, add in the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step is important for a less greasy and more flavorful goulash. You can use a spoon to scoop out the fat or carefully tilt the pot.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Return the browned meat mixture to the pot. Now, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), Italian seasoning, soy sauce, and water (or beef broth). Stir gently to combine everything EXCEPT the noodles. Then, gently add the elbow noodles on top of the liquid mixture. DO NOT stir the noodles in; gently push them down into the liquid so they are mostly submerged but not fully mixed. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes on high pressure.
5. Release Pressure and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand back and allow all the steam to escape until the float valve drops. Once depressurized, carefully remove the lid, stir the goulash well to combine everything, and serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Customization Tips and Variations

This Instant Pot Goulash recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own:

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms when you sauté the onion and garlic.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili powder along with the Italian seasoning.
• Different Pasta: While elbow noodles are classic, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even penne. Cooking times might vary slightly, so check for al dente.
• Cheese, Please! Beyond cheddar, try stirring in some mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a creamy Velveeta for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, though 4 minutes should still work.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure your soy sauce is a certified gluten-free tamari.

Storage and Reheating

This Instant Pot Goulash makes fantastic leftovers! Store any uneaten goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up, as the noodles will absorb more liquid over time. This makes it perfect for meal prepping lunches throughout the week!

Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving (approximate for 6 servings):

• Calories: 435 (Original value 2613 for total recipe. Assuming 6 servings gives ~435 per serving)
• Total Fat: 20g (Original value 121g for total recipe. Assuming 6 servings gives ~20g per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 43g (Original value 257g for total recipe. Assuming 6 servings gives ~43g per serving)
• Protein: 20g (Original value 123g for total recipe. Assuming 6 servings gives ~20g per serving)

(Please note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size; actual values may vary.)

Don’t let dinner stress get the best of you! This Instant Pot Goulash is the ultimate solution for a delicious, easy, and satisfying family meal any night of the week. If you aren’t making this super yummy Instant Pot goulash right this second, you’ll definitely want to pin this post to your favorite recipe board so that you can come back to it again and again!