Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this Instant Pot Goulash recipe! This hearty, delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a fantastic blend of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic vegetables. Forget hours of simmering – your Instant Pot works its magic to deliver restaurant-quality goulash in a fraction of the time. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and healthy!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked, your preference!)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, then onions and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds a wonderful flavor base for your goulash.
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Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until nicely browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and creates a richer sauce. Don't overcrowd the pot; work in batches if needed.
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Bloom the spices: Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their fragrant oils. This simple step elevates the flavor profile significantly.
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Combine ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, potato, carrot, bell pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or dumplings. This delicious and easy goulash is perfect as a standalone meal, or served alongside your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for the Best Goulash:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika.
- Don't skip browning the beef: This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the goulash.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans.
- Make it ahead: This goulash tastes even better the next day!
Variations:
- Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or eggplant.
- Slow Cooker Goulash: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Follow steps 1-3, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This Instant Pot Goulash recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece, perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying family meal. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner!