Instant Pot Goulash

Instant Pot Goulash is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor into your kitchen. This easy one-pot meal, featuring ground beef, macaroni pasta, and cheese in a rich tomato-based sauce, is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe shines with its simplicity and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a mere 4 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize this goulash with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this comforting recipe, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multifunctional appliance allows for quick cooking while infusing flavors into your ingredients.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Instant Pot Goulash is an easy one pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni pasta and cheese in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This comfort food classic is family-friendly and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 bell pepper (chopped)
– 1 ¾ cups low sodium beef broth (or chicken broth, equal to a 14.5 ounce can)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
– 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta (uncooked, 9 ounces by weight)
– 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes
– 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Press Saute on the Instant Pot. When the pot is hot:
1. Add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, crumbling as it cooks.
3. Drain excess grease if desired.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion:
1. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes.

Then add garlic and bell pepper:
1. Cook while stirring for 1 minute.
2. Press Cancel to turn off the sauté function.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the broth:
1. Stir well while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Next, add seasonings:
1. Add Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Layer Pasta and Sauces

Add pasta:
1. Press it down into an even layer but do not stir; it’s okay if some pasta isn’t covered by liquid.

Top with diced tomatoes:
1. Pour on top of the pasta without stirring.
2. Finally, add tomato sauce on top.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid:
1. Move the steam release valve to sealing position.
2. Set cook time to 4 minutes at high pressure.
3. Allow about 15 minutes for pressure buildup before cooking begins.

Step 6: Release Pressure

When cooking ends:
1. Carefully perform a quick release by moving the valve to venting position.
2. Wait until pin drops down before opening lid.

Step 7: Final Touches

Gently stir goulash:
1. It may appear watery initially; stir until liquid is absorbed and pasta separates.

Finish by adding cheddar cheese:
1. Mix thoroughly until melted.

Serve topped with fresh parsley if desired!

How to Serve Instant Pot Goulash

Serving Instant Pot Goulash is as delightful as making it. This comforting dish pairs well with various sides and toppings that enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty meal.

Top It Off with Cheese

• Extra Cheddar: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for a deliciously gooey finish.
• Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan over the goulash to add a nutty flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each serving.
• Basil: A few basil leaves can elevate the taste with their aromatic essence.

Accompanying Sides

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside for a crunchy texture that complements the goulash.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Family Style

• Serve in Bowls: Present goulash in individual bowls for a cozy, family-style meal that encourages sharing.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream or diced green onions for guests to customize their servings.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Goulash

To ensure your Instant Pot Goulash turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture in this beloved dish.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean ground beef reduces excess grease, resulting in a healthier meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time; undercooked pasta will absorb more sauce while cooking further after release.
• Layer Ingredients Correctly: Adding pasta first and then layering tomatoes on top prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving; you can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the goulash to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce and enhances flavors.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Goulash

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Goulash can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Toast slices of bread with butter, garlic, and herbs.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provides a crisp contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
4. Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings a refreshing balance of textures with its creamy dressing.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth of flavor and can be seasoned to complement the goulash.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are sweet and crumbly, making them an ideal side for dipping into goulash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Goulash, it’s easy to encounter some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold Ingredient Miscalculations: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much pasta or not enough liquid can lead to a dry or burnt goulash.
• Bold Ignoring Saute Function: Skipping the sauté step means you miss out on developing flavors. Make sure to brown the beef and cook the onions before adding other ingredients.
• Bold Stirring Pasta: Avoid stirring once you’ve added the pasta to the pot. This can cause it to clump together during cooking. Press it down gently into the liquid instead.
• Bold Overcooking: Setting the pressure cook time too long can result in mushy pasta. Stick to the recommended 4 minutes for perfect texture.
• Bold Not Using Enough Seasoning: A bland goulash is disappointing. Taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process for a flavorful dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Allow goulash to cool before sealing for storage.

Freezing Instant Pot Goulash

• Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Instant Pot Goulash

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place goulash in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Goulash?

Instant Pot Goulash is a hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and cheese simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare!

How do I customize my Instant Pot Goulash?

You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Feel free to swap out ground beef for chicken or turkey based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Goulash?

The total time is about 34 minutes, including prep time of 15 minutes and cooking time of just 4 minutes at high pressure.

Can I use different pasta types in Instant Pot Goulash?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well too. Just be aware of cooking times as they may vary slightly.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Goulash?

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Goulash is not only a comforting classic but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. So why not give this simple recipe a try? Your family will love this delicious weeknight dinner!

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