Instant Pot Goulash

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew with vegetables that is very common throughout all of Central Europe.

It is very tasty and flavorful thanks to the use of paprika and other spices.

Instant Pot Goulash is one of the best beef recipes you can make in your pressure cooker. And this rich and warm dish can be on your dinner table in less than an hour!

This Instant Pot Goulash recipe is filling and nutritious. All the benefits of a great comfort food without added cream or butter!

This soul-warming dish is ideal for cold winter nights, but also a gourmet treat to serve through the year. Unlike the traditional preparation method, with the Instant Pot, you can make your beef goulash in the peak of summer, and without any sweat.

Which Meat Should I Use?

I always use beef for goulash, as for me it works the best. I would recommend a fairly lean cut of beef which just a little bit of fat. You don’t want to trim all the fat or you will miss out on a ton of flavor.

Top round or beef chuck are good cuts to use for this recipe. You can also purchase stew meat to save time on prep since it’s pre-cut.

If you want to experiment, you can use pork or lamb. If you are using pork or lamb you can add different herbs to make it more interesting and compliment the type of meat you are using.

For example, pork pairs really well with bay leaf. Lamb on the other hand will be perfect if you add rosemary or thyme.

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great option, especially when tomatoes aren’t in season.

Even for slow cooking recipes like Instant Pot ropa vieja I'm using canned tomatoes and get a great results.

For this recipe, you can use either canned whole tomatoes and dice them yourself, or canned diced tomatoes.

If you use canned tomatoes, you should drain most of the liquid before adding to the Instant Pot so it’s not too soupy. One can should be equal to about 2 large tomatoes.

What Else Can Be Added?

Beef goulash is traditionally made with meat and vegetables like carrots and onion. Still, some like to toss in few potatoes, that are cubed or a handful of rice for a heartier, more complete meal.

If you choose to add potatoes or rice, I would suggest preparing them separately and then mixing them in at the end, to make sure the potatoes or rice are cooked properly.

How to Serve Goulash?

This Instant Pot goulash is great served with mashed or boiled potatoes, over jasmine rice, or over riced cauliflower.

You can also serve it as is as instead of soup. It’s a pretty hearty stew, even without having to add potatoes or rice! And, it’s a one-pot meal, so it’s great for limiting clean up.

Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Goulash for 15 delicious side dishes.

Similar recipes

If you like this recipe, check out this Instant Pot Jewish brisket and the Instant Pot beef stew.

For more one-pot meals, the Instant Pot venison Roast or the Instant Pot Cholent are both great options! Must-try!

Hw to make Goulash

First, gather your ingredients:

In Instant Pot on Saute, heat olive oil. Cook the beef and onions until the beef is browned.

Add the rest of the ingredients.

Lock lid into place. Select High pressure and cook for 20 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle is done, wait for a natural pressure release, which may take up to 20 minutes.

Serve warm.

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