This instant pot goulash is American goulash or American chop suey made easy. A hearty one-pot dish with ground beef/lamb, macaroni, tomatoes, broth, spices and seasonings, this is a kid-friendly meal and a crowd-pleaser! Did I mention it's really easy to make in the instant pot?
One-pot meals are my favourite and if they're as easy as this instant pot goulash, yay! I love pasta but sometimes tire of dinners like plain ol' old mac and cheese. So I switch things up by making this incredibly flavorsome American goulash with ground meat.
American goulash is different from Hungarian goulash, in case you're wondering. Unlike the former, the Hungarian version is more stew-like and made with chunks of meat rather than ground meat. I haven't had Hungarian goulash but look forward to trying it one day! For now, I'm happy with my instant pot American goulash.
Want more meat recipes? Try a spicy beef stew or this kofta (meatballs) curry. And if you like your meat with rice, here are two classics: keema biryani and yakhni pulao. Check them out!
Ingredients
Note: exact amounts are given in the recipe card further down in the post.
How to make goulash in the instant pot
1. Switch on your instant pot and press sauté (normal). When the display shows HOT, add oil, onions, garlic, bouillon cube and tomato paste. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the ground meat and half a cup water. Stir well, cover the pot with a glass lid (affiliate link), and cook for 10-12 minutes. The extra water prevents the meat from sticking to the bottom or drying out while it is cooking.
3. Add the broth, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, water and macaroni. Mix everything well. Deglaze the pot, cancel sauté, secure the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Do a quick release of pressure and open the pot.
4. Add the cheddar and oregano or thyme. The cheese will melt in the residual heat from the pot. Serve hot with some extra herbs sprinkled on the top.
Some useful tips and notes
1. If you want more liquid in you goulash, increase the amount of broth to three cups.
2. Like a spicy goulash? Sprinkle a teaspoon of cayenne or chilli flakes in addition to the paprika.
3. Switch up the herbs according to your taste. Oregano or thyme work well but you could also substitute with Italian seasoning.
4. Finally, don't forget to deglaze the pot before pressure cooking to avoid getting the burn notice.
Other easy instant pot recipes you might like
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Goulash
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 beef bouillon cube
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1 lb. or 450 gm ground lamb/beef
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- Sea salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper crushed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Instructions
- Switch on your instant pot and press sauté (normal). When the display shows HOT, add oil, onions, garlic, bouillon cubes and tomato paste. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground meat and half a cup water. Stir well, cover with a glass lid and cook for 10-12 minutes. Deglaze as needed.
- Add the broth, sea salt, crushed black pepper, paprika, 1 cup water and macaroni. Mix everything well. Cancel sauté, secure the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Do a quick release of pressure.
- Open the pot and add the cheddar and oregano or thyme. The cheese will melt in the residual heat from the pot. Serve hot with some extra herbs sprinkled on the top.
Notes
- If you want the goulash a bit spicy, add a teaspoon of cayenne in addition to the paprika.
- The bouillon cubes will have salt in them, so adjust the salt according to your taste.
- Switch up the dried herbs for Italian seasoning if you have it.
- Increase the amount of broth or water if you want your goulash more liquidy.
Nutrition
Did you make this instant pot goulash recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Linda says
Made this last night and it was very good and easy! I did want to mention that you write to add onions, but onions are not on your ingredients list. Also, you may want to correct the 'mince' to 'meat' in step 2.
I will check out more of your recipes!
Saima says
Duly noted and changed. Thanks for the heads up Linda!
ArzuV. says
I'm not a good cook in general - but this was super easy and super yummy! I made it with ground chicken/chicken broth, and made it a tad bit spicier for our taste. Even my husband, who doesn't like tomato-based dishes, took multiple servings! Thank you SO MUCH!
Saima says
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed the soup along with your husband:)
YayaDiane says
This reminds me of my childhood. My mom made this and she added corn. It was yummy.
I’ve never made this before, but I’m gonna. Thank you!