Name: Instant Pot Goulash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb; 3 tbsp oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Sea salt, to taste; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 beef bouillon cube; ½ cup tomato puree; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup water; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1.5 cups sharp cheddar, grated; 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

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This instant pot goulash is American goulash or American chop suey made easy. A hearty one-pot dish with ground 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 lamb. You can use beef of course, if that’s what you like. I prefer lamb so lamb it is for me.

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.

Ingredients in American goulash

Ground lamb
Cooking oil
Garlic, minced
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, crushed
Paprika
Beef bouillon cube
Tomato puree
Diced tomatoes, canned
Chicken or beef broth
Water
Elbow macaroni
Sharp cheddar, grated
Dried oregano or thyme

How to make instant pot goulash

1. Switch on your instant pot and press sauté (normal). When the display shows HOT, add oil, onions, garlic, bouillon cube and tomato puree. Sauté for 2 minutes.

2. Add the mince and sauté for 10-12 minutes. Deglaze with a few tablespoons of broth if needed (picture 1)

3. Add the canned tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, water and macaroni (picture 2). Mix everything well. Cancel sauté, secure the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Do a quick release of pressure and open the pot (picture 3)

4. Open the pot and add the cheddar and oregano or thyme (picture 4). The cheese will melt in the residual heat from the pot. Serve hot with some extra herbs sprinkled on the top.

5. Add macaroni, diced tomatoes and broth. Cancel saute and pressure cook for 4 minutes.

Some useful tips and notes

1. If you want more liquid in you goulash, increase the amount of broth to 3 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

Jambalaya – Jambalaya with chicken, shrimp, smoked sausage, vegetables and Cajun spice makes for a one-pot rice and meat dinner. Super easy and bursting with flavor and color!

Scalloped Potatoes – Sliced potatoes cooked in butter, garlic and broth in the instant pot, topped with a cheesy sauce and finished in the oven for that lovely brown crust. Vegetarian and totally yum!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Creamy chicken and wild rice along with mushrooms, carrots and celery is pure comfort in a bowl. Thick, delicious and totally satisfying!