Instant Pot Beef Goulash: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy, and savory goodness of a classic lasagna, but in a warm and inviting bowl! Forget layering noodles and waiting for hours; this recipe delivers that same satisfying flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving Italian comfort food but don’t want the fuss.

Lasagna, as we know it, has roots stretching back to ancient Rome, evolving from simple layered pasta dishes. Over centuries, it transformed into the rich, baked casserole we adore today. But sometimes, we need that familiar taste in a quicker, more accessible format. That’s where Lasagna Soup shines!

People absolutely love this dish because it captures the essence of lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta (or a clever substitute!), the savory Italian sausage, and of course, the perfectly cooked pasta – all in a spoonable form. It’s incredibly convenient, customizable to your liking (add more veggies, swap proteins!), and undeniably delicious. The combination of textures, from the tender pasta to the hearty meat and the smooth, cheesy broth, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, incredibly enjoyable way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Searing the Beef

1. First, we’re going to sear the beef. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in our goulash. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the olive oil.
2. Now, add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Sear each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove the seared beef from the Instant Pot and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking the beef all the way through at this point; we just want a good sear.
3. Repeat the searing process with the remaining beef cubes, adding more olive oil if needed. It’s important to get a good sear on all sides of the beef to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.
4. Once all the beef is seared, set it aside. You should see some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. These are called fond, and they are packed with flavor! We’ll deglaze the pot in the next step to incorporate that flavor into our goulash.

Building the Goulash Base

1. With the Instant Pot still on the “Sauté” function, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. This will release the natural sugars in the onion and add sweetness to the goulash.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Now, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step!
4. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, dried marjoram, caraway seeds, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. The paprika is what gives goulash its signature flavor and color, so don’t skimp on it!

Pressure Cooking the Goulash

1. Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Make sure the beef is submerged in the tomato sauce mixture. If needed, add a little more beef broth to cover the beef.
2. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
3. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 15 minutes. This means you let the pressure release on its own without manually releasing the valve. After 15 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
5. Once all the pressure is released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Adding the Pasta and Finishing Touches

1. Stir in the elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more beef broth to cover the pasta.
2. Close the Instant Pot lid again and set the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position.
3. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 4 minutes. This will cook the pasta to al dente.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, immediately quick release the pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
5. Once all the pressure is released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. The pasta should be cooked through but still slightly firm. If the pasta is too soft, you can cook it for a shorter time next time. If the pasta is too firm, you can cook it for a longer time.
6. Stir the goulash well to combine the pasta and sauce. If the goulash is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If the goulash is too thin, you can simmer it on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes to thicken it.
7. Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or paprika to taste.

Serving the Goulash

1. Ladle the Instant Pot Beef Goulash into bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
4. Enjoy your hearty and delicious Instant Pot Beef Goulash! This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the goulash, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Use different meat: While beef chuck is the traditional choice, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or brisket. You can even use ground beef for a quicker version.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add a bay leaf: For a deeper flavor, add a bay leaf to the goulash while it’s pressure cooking. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Wine addition: Add 1/2 cup of dry red wine after deglazing the pot for a richer flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Beef Goulash isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! From the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef to the rich, paprika-infused sauce, every bite is a comforting hug on a plate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor you achieve in such a short amount of time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Forget slaving over a hot stove for hours; this goulash delivers all the traditional flavors you crave, but in a fraction of the time.

I know what you’re thinking: “Goulash? Sounds complicated.” But believe me, it’s not! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag or the hours of prep work. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are even more delicious the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. It’s a win-win situation!

But the real reason this recipe is a must-try is because it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a classic serving suggestion, ladle generous portions of the goulash over a bed of egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Creamy Goulash: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for an extra creamy and tangy twist.
* Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
* Vegetable Boost: Toss in some extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* Serve with Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* Over Rice: For a lighter option, serve the goulash over a bed of fluffy white rice.
* Make it a Soup: Add more beef broth to create a hearty goulash soup.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about creating something delicious and satisfying that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Instant Pot Beef Goulash that I urge you to give it a try. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or even a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible dish. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s spread the goulash love! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures with this recipe. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy!