Instant Pot Goulash Recipe (2024)

This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a rich, hearty meal for any day of the week. The beef tastes like it has simmered all day but is actually made in less than an hour!

Instant Pot Beef Goulash

Making goulash in the Instant Pot is THE way to go. The chunks of beef are so tender and flavorful, everyone will think it has been stewing all day. The gravy is nice and thick, just how gravy should be. The veggies are tender, but not TOO tender. I know that in some Instant Pot recipes the vegetables can get too mushy. That is not the case with this recipe! We served this over German egg noodles and my kids couldn’t get enough! You could serve this over noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, thick slices of Texas toast, biscuits or in a bowl all its own like a stew. This is a terrific meal any night of the week!

What is Goulash?

Depending on where you are from, goulash could mean several different things. For instance, American goulash is quite different from Hungarian goulash. I will explain the differences below. This Instant Pot goulash recipe is a considered a Hungarian goulash. Hungarian goulash is a type of thick stew made from meat and vegetables and seasoned with paprika and other spices. My husband first had this dish when he was living in Denmark and always called it “Danish” goulash. It is very popular in Denmark and other European countries.

What is Traditional Goulash Made Of?

Traditional Hungarian goulash consists of easy-to-find ingredients such as beef and vegetables and is commonly served with noodles or mashed potatoes. It is also a great one-pot meal all on its own – no sides needed! Here’s a breakdown of the traditional ingredients in goulash:

• Beef: Stew meat, beef roast, or bottom sirloin cut into chunks will work great for this recipe.
• Vegetables: Onions and carrots are the most commonly used vegetables in goulash. Potatoes, celery, bell peppers, and/or stewed, diced tomatoes are also be used in some recipes.
• Sauce/Gravy: The sauce is made from beef broth, dry onion soup mix, and some type of thickener, such as a cornstarch slurry. We also use browning for this gravy to give it a deep, rich color and flavor.
• Paprika: Hungarian paprika is the authentic spice to use if you want to keep it traditional. It is sweeter in flavor and typically not smoked like American paprika. Either kind of paprika will work though.
• Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and pepper are really the only seasonings needed for goulash. Garlic, Worcestershire sauce and/or bay leaf can be added to give the broth a brighter flavor dimension if desired.

American Goulash vs Hungarian Goulash

In my opinion, American goulash and Hungarian goulash have very little in common, if anything. The taste is completely different and they are made in different ways. Hungarian goulash is a meaty dish that resembles stew. The base is more of a gravy or a thick beefy soup consistency. It can be served with noodles or potatoes but they are both more of an accessory to the goulash and not required. American goulash (also known as “American Chop Suey”) is more tomato based and made with short pasta, usually elbow macaroni. The American version does not always have beef but if it does, it is typically ground beef.

How to Make Goulash in an Instant Pot

Making goulash in the Instant Pot is easy! It’s all done in one pot, which makes cooking and clean up a snap! Here’s what you do:

1. Season beef and sear on all sides in the Instant Pot on saute mode. Add onions and sauté for a minute or two.
2. Add broth and seasonings and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Slow release for 10 minutes then quick release. Remove lid and stir in carrots. Cook on high pressure for another 2-3 minutes (depending on how soft you want your carrots) then turn the valve to quick release.
3. Thicken the goulash with a water/cornstarch slurry and add browning if desired for color and a richer flavor.
4. Serve as a stew or with noodles or mashed potatoes.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Goulash

You can serve this Instant Pot goulash over egg noodles or over mashed potatoes. If you want to keep it more like a hearty stew, you can add diced potatoes when you add the carrots in the Instant Pot. If you add potatoes and make it more like stew, there is no need to serve it with noodles. I would suggest serving it with warm bread or rolls and enjoying it on its own.

Tips for Making Goulash in the Instant Pot

• If you have a pressure cooker, but no instant pot, you can still make this beef goulash recipe! There are hardly any adjustments that need to be made. Really, the only adjustment is that instead of using the “meat/stew” function, you just cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. No biggie. Most pressure cookers have a “saute” function but if yours doesn’t, you can sear the meat and cook the onions in a separate pan first. Or you can just throw it all in without sautéing. Either way you will be just fine.
• If you wanted to make this goulash more of a “one pot” meal, you can always add some cubed potatoes in with the carrots. It will make it more like a stew but it will still be delicious!
• To make this recipe gluten free you will just want to make sure that the onion soup mix and beef broth you are using is GF. Sometimes those can be tricky to find. Herb Ox brand has a great GF beef broth. Wylers has a gluten free onion soup mix that we love. It does contain soy though so be careful if you have a soy allergy as well.

Storing and Reheating Goulash

Goulash can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top on low heat until heated through. If you are wanting to make this into a freezer meal, leave the carrots out of the recipe and freeze after cooking for 2-5 months. Thaw the goulash overnight in the refrigerator before re-heating in a saucepan on the stove. Cook carrots separately and add before eating.

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Try some of our Other Instant Pot Recipes

Be sure to try some of our other easy Instant Pot recipes! If you like this Beef Goulash recipe, you will be sure to love our Instant Pot Sunday Pot Roast recipe. Here’s a few more of our very favorites: