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If you’ve ever tried making goulash and wished it had more flavor and the perfect texture, I promise—this one delivers. With just the right balance of seasoning, a rich, savory sauce, and perfectly tender pasta, this Instant Pot Goulash is a meal everyone will be excited to dig into.
As a mom and (now grandma), I know the struggle of trying to find a meal that everyone will eat—kids, spouses, picky eaters, you name it! This goulash is one of those magical dishes that pleases the whole table. The tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, and rich, hearty beef make it a winner every time. It’s comforting, filling, and has just the right balance of flavors to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. Let’s be real—any meal that doesn’t leave me negotiating with a toddler or convincing my husband that yes, this is actually delicious, is a huge win in my book.
The best part? It comes together fast but tastes like it’s been simmering all day, making it perfect for nights when you need a warm, hearty meal without a spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
If you have leftovers, they somehow taste even better the next day. Simple, cozy, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table—this one’s always a keeper in my house!
Stove Top Instructions in Recipe Notes!
How to Make Instant Pot Goulash
Step 1. Brown the Beef
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, and once it’s hot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease so your sauce isn’t too oily ( I use a trusty paper plate with paper towels on top).
Step 2. Add the Sauce & Pasta
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning, then give everything a good stir. Add the elbow macaroni, gently pressing it down, so that the liquid covers it. Drop in the bay leaves.
Step 3. Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select High Pressure and set the cook time for 4 minutes.
Step 4. Quick Release
Once the timer goes off, carefully do a “manual” or “quick release” by turning the valve to “Venting.” When all the pressure has been released, take off the lid and remove the bay leaves.
Step 5. Stir & Serve
Give everything a good stir, then taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the goulash into bowls and top with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, or fresh parsley—whatever you love!
How to serve this Goulash Instant Pot Recipe
This American Goulash is a hearty, comforting meal on its own, but a few simple additions can take it to the next level!
Toppings & Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, or cheddar for extra richness.
- Add a handful of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- A dollop of sour cream can add a creaminess.
Side Dishes:
Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or parmesan broccoli make a great addition.
Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
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A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of the dish.
Storing Pressure Cooker Goulash
This goulash stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Refrigerate: Let the goulash cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freeze: For longer storage, transfer cooled goulash to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Lay bags flat for easy stacking and thawing.
Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. For a quick option, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make extra!
Here are a few Simple Family Meals to add to your menu!
- Taco Spaghetti Bake
- Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Skillet
- Oven Fried Panko Crusted Chicken Drumsticks
- Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Cheesy Skillet Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
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I will leave you with a few Desserts you may enjoy!
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Instant Pot American Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, (to taste)
- 29 ounce can tomato sauce, (or two 14.5 ounce cans)
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cup water
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, (I like to use 1 tbsp oregano and 1/2 tbsp each of basil and parsley, but you can stick with Italian Blend)
- 3 cups large elbow noodles, (about 1 lb)
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste, (I use 1/2 tsp of each)
Instructions
- Set your 6-quart Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain any excess fat.
- Return the beef mixture to the pot and stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, and additional salt & pepper if desired. Add the elbow macaroni and toss in the bay leaves, giving everything a good stir to combine.
- Secure the lid, turn the pressure valve to “Sealing,” and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once the time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “VentingWhen the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and discard the bay leaves. Stir the goulash well, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan or your favorite cheese, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley! Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
This looks wonderful! Since I like to get as much nutritional bang as I can in that I love casseroles, I think I am going to slightly cook corn, peas, chopped carrots and chopped celery in the microwave before adding to the instant Pot. I think it is going to be one great meal! I have had Goulash in Yugoslavia, before the country was torn apart, and this is going to taste alot like that!
My family loved it! It will be a go to recipe for us from now on. Yum!
I am so glad you all loved and will be enjoying it often! Thank you!
I followed the recipe exactly. Kept getting the foo burn warning. I have been using my insta pot for about a year and have never had that warning.
I am so sorry that is happening. I haven’t had that happen with this recipe. Are you using a 6 qt? May need to increase the liquid a bit or make sure no bits stuck on the bottom.
Yummy! Thank you.
You are welcome Carol! Thank you!
Just made your Goulash recipe for a funeral luncheon @ my church. Added a # of unseasoned sausage to stretch it a little, and your delicious recipe will be my new “go to recipe” for future carryons! Thanks for sharing!
You are making my day! I am so glad you enjoyed it and are sharing it with others!
I just tried this recipe in my new Instant Pot and it turned out pretty good. I used egg noodles and the 4 minutes was just right to cook them and not have them be mushy. I used one can of diced tomatoes that had green chiles in it for a little kick. I could have probably done this in a sauce pan more quickly, but since I’m learning how to use my new ‘toy’, it was fun and successful!
I am glad you are trying out your new toy! I love mine and trying new things! This definitely can be done on the stove top as well and is delicious both ways.
I’m not seeing quantities for anything. I must be missing something.
Kevin, scroll to the bottom of the page and the recipe card is there with all the ingredient quantities. If you are still having an issue seeing it, please let me know and I will try to help troubleshoot.
DElicious flavor but the noodles were super soggy and over done 🙁
I am so sorry they didn’t turn out for you! I have made this many times and never had that issue. I would suggest decreasing the water to 1 cup, decrease to 3 minutes, and make sure you quick release, if you make it again, and see if that works better for you. You can also turn on saute when done to let thicken up.
Just a suggestion – how about listing the size of the pan, in this case instant pot, you are using? It would mke things easier for people, like me. That way if I don’t have the correct size I can either buy that size or tweak the recipe to fit the size I have.
Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback. I use a 6 qt Instant Pot and will add the information to the recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Silly question, but do you cook the elbow macaroni before putting it into the Instant Pot? I have made this many, many times on the stovetop, but not in my Instant Pot and I am anxious to try this.
Thank you.
No questions are silly. No do not cook the noodles. They will cook in the Instant Pot! I love to make pasta in this. I have a Creamy Mac N Cheese recipes that is so delicious! Good luck and I hope you enjoy!