Easy Instant Pot Goulash – a wholesome, family friendly meal made in the Instant Pot. A healthy Hamburger Helper, quick and easy, and perfect for weeknight meals!

Quick & Easy Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

Need a hands off, one-pot meal that’s on the table fast? Instant Pot Goulash takes the stress out of busy weeknight mealtime! My entire family LOVES this recipe, and I love that is so easy to make and requires only simple, nutritious ingredients. Skip the Hamburger Helper and make your own meaty, saucy pasta dish in no time!

While shortcut dinner kits and frozen meals can seem tempting and certainly convenient on the busiest of nights, it’s important to remember that those processed meals containing yucky ingredients can usually be recreated from scratch with very little effort. This instant pot version of goulash uses only basic pantry items and is totally hands off, leaving you extra time to tackle your to-do list!

Why We Love Instant Pot Goulash

  • It’s budget friendly and requires only a few inexpensive simple ingredients.
  • Made in one pot, for easy clean-up!
  • It’s a family friendly meal, loved equally by kids and adults, even picky eaters!
  • It’s a hearty meal – nutritious AND filling.
  • One recipe goes a long way, and next day leftovers reheat great!

What’s in Goulash?

The American version of Goulash is typically a combination of beef, pasta, and tomatoes with onions and seasonings, and sometimes topped with cheese. Goulash differs slightly from regular pasta and meat sauce because the noodles are cooked directly in the sauce mixture. American Goulash is a variation on traditional Hungarian Goulash which often contains sweet Hungarian paprika, potatoes, and carrots.

What You’ll Need

  • Lean Ground Beef (Butcherbox is my favorite source of grass-fed and finished beef)
  • Green Bell Pepper – substitute red or yellow bell peppers if needed.
  • Onion – yellow onion is a great option.
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Beef Broth – water can be substituted but I like the extra depth of flavor from broth.
  • Elbow Macaroni Noodles – or another small pasta shape like shells or mini penne.
  • Diced Tomatoes – look for low sodium canned tomatoes.
  • Tomato Sauce – again, check for low sodium sauce, you won’t notice the difference!
  • Italian Seasoning – I like to make my own, but a store-bought seasoning blend is fine too.

How to Make Goulash in the Instant Pot

  1. Begin by browning the ground beef using the Sauté mode. When it is nearly done cooking, add in diced onion and green pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Next add the seasonings (Homemade Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt), and broth. Give it all a stir.
  3. Add the noodles, pressing them slightly into the liquid.
  4. Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the noodles. Do not stir. It will all come together after cooking!
  5. Cook for 4 minutes on Manual mode (high pressure) and quick release the pressure after complete.
  6. Give it a good stir and let is sit for 5 minutes while any extra liquid/sauce is absorbed.

Variations on Instant Pot Goulash

  • Try ground venison or ground turkey in place of the beef.
  • Top with fresh grated Parmesan Cheese or grated cheddar cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese.
  • For gluten free diets, use a gluten free pasta of your choice.
  • For a flavorful kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

More Easy Weeknight One Pot Meals

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

15 Minute Egg Roll Bowls

Easy Lasagna Skillet

Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli

easy instant pot goulash

easy instant pot goulash

easy instant pot goulash

Easy Instant Pot Goulash

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: goulash, pressure cooker
Easy Instant Pot Goulash - a wholesome, family friendly meal made in the Instant Pot. Quick and easy, perfect for weeknight meals!
5 from 6 votes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning, recipe below
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups elbow pasta, or other small shape pasta
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  • Using the Saute mode, brown the ground beef, adding in the green pepper and onion in the last few minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the seasoning, garlic, salt, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Add the noodles, pressing them into the liquid. Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over top (there is no need to stir at this point.)
  • Lock lid and se the pot for 4 minutes on Manual mode. When cycle is complete, quick release the pressure. Remove lid and stir combine.
  • Optional: stir in red pepper flakes or top with parmesan and/or chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 936mg, Potassium: 792mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 519IU, Vitamin C: 28mg, Calcium: 68mg, Iron: 4mg

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