This Instant Pot Goulash is made with SIX ingredients and one pot! It’s a family favorite Instant Pot pasta featuring lean ground beef and macaroni in seasoned tomato sauce, made right in the pressure cooker!
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This recipe for Instant Pot Goulash is nothing short of amazing, if I do say so myself!
It has all the qualities of traditional American-style goulash you love — it’s comforting, delicious, and made from readily available ingredients — and it just happens to be a one-pot meal!
The best part? With only six ingredients, this Instant Pot Goulash is the latest addition to my Six Ingredient Suppers series.
If you’ve never eaten goulash before you’re in for a treat! Macaroni shells are cooked with ground beef, canned tomatoes, and spices, resulting in a satisfying meal even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
When I’m making Instant Pot Goulash I like to use lean ground beef, but ground turkey also works well. If you’re curious about other ground beef Instant Pot recipes you can check out my Instant Pot Chili Mac or this Instant Pot Taco Meat from Frozen Ground Beef.
Love your slow cooker as much as I do? Check out my list of Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes!
If you’ve had difficulty cooking pasta in the Instant Pot before don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I provide detailed instructions on using a pressure cooker to make perfectly cooked noodles so that you’ll never have to throw out a batch of mushy pasta again.
How to cook Instant Pot pasta:
If the thought of cooking dried pasta in a pressure cooker is intimidating — or previous attempts have left you with a disappointing batch of overcooked noodles — these tips will help ensure perfectly al dente noodles every time.
- Cut down on the cooking time: The secret to making successful pressure cooker pasta? Shorten the cooking time — by a lot. When cooking pasta in the Instant Pot I recommend using the Manual or Pressure Cook function, setting the timer for only 2 minutes and going as low as 1 minute for more delicate pasta shapes. Always use the pasta shape called for in the recipe when making Instant Pot pasta.
- Use the “quick release” method: Turn the Instant Pot off once the timer has gone off and position the top valve to quickly release residual steam. The pasta will overcook and become mushy if the steam is allowed to naturally release.
Looking for more Instant Pot pasta recipes? Try my super-simple Easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti or Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!
What is the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
Although American goulash and Hungarian goulash share the same name, the two recipes couldn’t be more different from one another in terms of their ingredients and preparation. American goulash is made from pasta, ground beef, and canned tomatoes. Hungarian goulash is a traditional Central European stew made from braised meat and, most importantly, Hungarian paprika.
What to serve with Instant Pot goulash:
I find that this goulash recipe is plenty filling on its own, but when I have extra time I love making a crisp, brightly colored salad such as this Layered Broccoli Salad Recipe or my Homemade Coleslaw Recipe.
Of course, any meal is made even better when followed by dessert and this couldn’t-be-easier recipe for No Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars is always a hit!
How to store leftover pressure cooker goulash:
Leftover Instant Pot goulash can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in a sealed container and reheated in the microwave, making it ideal for quick lunches or busy weeknights.
For a new spin on leftover goulash, try sprinkling some grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before reheating in a baking dish in the oven. 350 for 25 minutes should do it!
Pasta that has been frozen, thawed, and reheated doesn’t tend to hold its shape very well, becoming mushy and unappetizing. For this reason, I don’t suggest freezing leftover Instant Pot goulash.
More Six Ingredient Suppers to try:
Instant Pot Goulash
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups dry macaroni white or whole wheat
- 1 1/2 cups tomato pasta sauce
- 398 ml canned diced tomatoes (14oz)
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute. Cook ground beef and onion, stirring often, until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. (If using regular ground beef instead of lean, you may want to drain remaining fat before continuing)
- Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Add water and scrape the bottom of the pressure cooker with a wooden spoon to remove any bits that might have stuck on the bottom. (*You risk getting the burn message if there is anything stuck on the bottom of the pot!)
- Turn the Instant Pot off and add the macaroni. Do not stir, simply sprinkle on top of the ground beef in an even layer. Press down lightly.
- Cover the macaroni with the diced tomatoes and pasta sauce, doing your best to cover all of the pasta.
- Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook, high pressure, and set the cook time to 2 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes to build pressure and begin counting down.
- When the cook time is up, turn the Instant Pot off and open the valve to release the pressure.
- It will look like a lot of liquid on the top, but once you stir the sauce will coat the pasta and it will not be watery. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Cory says
I will admit up front that I haven’t actually made this yet, but I can’t imagine 2 minutes being long enough to cook the pasta even to al dente. I recently made a pasta dish that used only 1 cup of Penne Pasta with broth and cream; it took 10 minutes pressure cooking and 10 minutes natural release and came out just a hair past al dente.
The Recipe Rebel says
Well Cory I hope you give it a try because it works like a charm for me, every single time! Enjoy!
Maria says
As a life-long kitchen creative (I had the privilege of attending private cooking classes at Marcella Hazan’s apartment in NYC in the 70’s) I too was a little put off by the name of the recipe – at first – but, you just can’t go wrong with good ground beef, a great tomato pasta sauce and some freshly grated pecorino-romano cheese.
This recipe worked out perfectly for me, creating the most wonderful of comfort foods in a matter of minutes.
The unlimited variations that are possible are going to keep me busy for a while! 🙂
No, it is not a traditional Hungarian Goulash, and yes it is very American, but what is wrong with that? Our great nation is a melting pot; perhaps we can all just relax a little and enjoy delicious flavors and the generous spirit of the person who cared enough to share something delicious with the world.
Thank you for sharing!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Maria! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Susan Snyder says
Quick easy meal. I reduced the sodium by using NSA pasta sauce and tomatoes and it fits perfectly in my diet.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Susan!
Leo MnM says
I made this for my husband and he LOVED IT, it was really delicious! I added a bunch of different veggies like sliced carrots, corn, and habichuelas & it made it so filling! I love your recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Leo!
Lisa says
Since someone else asked I thought I’d comment… I made this with gluten free pasta (Banza chickpea pasta) and it turned out great. Made exactly as written.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Janis says
Fantastic! A quick, easy, inexpensive weeknight meal. I cooked for 4 mins because we’re not al dente fans (sorry!)…came out perfectly. This will definitely go into our regular rotation!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Janis!
Patricia Ronchetto says
I just bought an Instant Pot Aura Pro. I want to make goulash but all the recipes have the pressure cooker method and that is not an option on the Aura Pro. Can you help me? Wondering if I should return this for one that has a pressure cooker. Please help
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Patricia! Sorry, I really don’t know anything about the Aura Pro and have only used the pressure cook method
Llano says
I just made it! Very good! My husband wanted 2nds and 3rds. My 19 year old dog (Muttley) even had to have a share. If Muttley likes it, it is very good. He is a picky eater. I will make it a weekly regular meal. Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear that!
Susie says
When I fixed this recipe for Goulash, I had to adjust the cook time. I have a 6-quart Instant Pot, but when I cooked the pasta for the 2 minutes, it was barely cooked. So I put it back on for 3 more minutes and it was perfect.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Susie! Thanks for your feedback! I have a 6 quart too, and I cook all pasta for 2 minutes and it is perfect every time. I find any longer and it is way past al dente.
Lisalia says
Delicious and easy home cooked meal. Can’t wait to have it again!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad!
Stephanie says
All I can say is yummy!!! This dish looks amazing!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Stephanie!
wilhelmina says
This is a classic that family is always glad to see! Pure comfort food!
Ashley Fehr says
Here too!
Krissy Allori says
I love goulash and I love my instant pot. It’s so great to have these recipes that work on a night when things are busy. I have no doubt that my whole family will love it.
Ashley Fehr says
I love how quick it is too!
Erica Schwarz says
Loved this easy recipe on our busy weeknight. Kids loved it even more!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Erica!
Anne Skipton says
Hi,
Do you think gluten free noodles would work?
Thanks
Anne S
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Anne, I haven’t ever tried cooking gluten free pasta in the Instant pot. Sorry!
Ty says
I used gluten free pasta works great
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Ty! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review and the feedback on gluten free pasta!
Kalina says
Why is this crap even called goulash? Hamburger and macaroni are an abomination.
Rada says
Stop your stupid comment. There are many ways to prepare goulash, it doesn’t always have to be prepared the European way. Actually noodles and ground beef go well together, children love beef and noodles. If you think it’s a abomination don’t make or eat it.
Sandra says
Whoa…please be kind. If this recipe isn’t for you, move on. I know lots of little children that would love this. Easy, fast recipes are nice to have on hand for quick dinners.
Kiki McAdams says
Agreed. This isn’t goulash. It’s hamburger helper.
Ashley Fehr says
This is American goulash, not Hungarian goulash
Ann says
It was delicious, thank you! I willl make it again. And again! I had asked earlier if I could double the recipe….well, I figured that I’d go for it. I doubled everything, except for the water (I used 2 1/4 cups) and it came out perfectly!
Ashley Fehr says
Sorry Ann I just saw your first comment! I’m glad you liked it!
Sheryl says
Is tomato pasta sauce like spaghetti sauce? Or is it a typo and you mean tomato paste or tomato sauce?
Thanks, it looks yummy!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Sheryl! Not a type, it means tomato pasta sauce, which could be spaghetti sauce but generally the jars are labelled “pasta sauce”. Really any seasoned tomato sauce will be fine!
Ann says
I cannot wait to make this for dinner tonight! Can I double the ingredients and meat AND STILL make it in the instant pot? I have very big eater in the house!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Ann! You can, as long as it all fits below the max line on your Instant Pot!
anne stapleton says
recipe sounds great = however, i dont have and will not buy a pressure cooker. (no room in my very small kitchen for anothergadget). do you have a recipe for converting this recipe to one using a large heavy duty pot??
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, I have a similar recipe here! https://www.thereciperebel.com/easy-homemade-hamburger-helper/