Name: One-Pot Instant Pot Ground Beef Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 ¾ cups low sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked; 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes; 15 ounces canned tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; chopped fresh parsley, optional

This hearty one-pot meal combines savory ground beef and macaroni in a rich tomato sauce. It is a convenient weeknight dinner that minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

List of ingredients

1 pound ground beef – lean is recommended.
1 cup yellow onion – finely chopped.
3 cloves garlic – minced.
1 bell pepper – chopped.
1 ¾ cups low sodium beef broth – or chicken broth (approx. 14.5 ounces).
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – for herbal depth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the savory profile.
½ teaspoon salt – or adjust to taste.
¼ teaspoon pepper – or adjust to taste.
2 cups elbow macaroni pasta – uncooked, approximately 9 ounces.
30 ounces canned diced tomatoes – do not drain.
15 ounces canned tomato sauce – for a smooth base.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – for creaminess.
Fresh parsley – chopped, for optional garnish.

step-by-step instructions

Brown the beef: Press the Saute function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until completely browned. Drain off any excess grease if desired.
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
Add vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 1 minute, then press Cancel to turn off the saute function.
Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth. Stir well, ensuring you scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom to avoid a burn notice.
Season the base: Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
Layer the ingredients: Add the uncooked macaroni pasta. Press it down into an even layer within the liquid, but do not stir. Place the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce directly on top of the pasta. Do not stir these layers together.
Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the cook time to 4 minutes on high pressure. The pot will take several minutes to reach pressure before the timer starts.
Release pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully moving the valve to the venting position. Open the lid once the pin drops.
Combine and thicken: The mixture may appear watery or the pasta may seem stuck. Stir gently; this action helps the pasta separate and allows the sauce to be absorbed.
Finish and serve: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley if desired.

Customizing Your Goulash

Integrating Additional Garden Vegetables

You can boost the nutritional value by adding chopped carrots or sliced mushrooms during the step where you add the bell peppers. If using mushrooms, be mindful that they release extra moisture, which may make the final sauce thinner.

Using Different Protein Options

While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative. If switching to turkey, using chicken broth instead of beef broth helps maintain a cohesive flavor profile.

Exploring Alternative Pasta Shapes

Elbow macaroni is standard, but you can use shells or rotini for a different texture. Keep in mind that larger pasta shapes may require an extra minute of pressure cooking to reach the desired tenderness.

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Success

Preventing the Burn Notice

The most critical step to avoid a burn error is layering. By placing the pasta and tomato products on top and not stirring them into the broth, you keep the thick ingredients away from the bottom heating element.

Achieving Perfect Pasta Texture

Follow the rule of dividing the package cook time by half. For al dente pasta, subtract one additional minute. Since the pot continues to cook during the pressure release, undercooking slightly prevents mushy results.

Effective Deglazing Techniques

Always use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the inner pot after sautéing the meat. Any charred bits of beef or onion left behind can trigger the burn sensor during the pressure cycle.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Best Side Dish Pairings

Serve this goulash with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to add freshness and balance to the rich sauce. Garlic knots or toasted garlic bread are also excellent for soaking up the remaining tomato sauce.

Garnish Ideas for Freshness

Freshly chopped parsley provides a bright contrast to the savory beef. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Guide

How to Store Leftovers

Place leftover goulash in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Ensure the food is cooled slightly before sealing to prevent excessive condensation inside the container.

Best Ways to Reheat Pasta

Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Freezing and Thawing Instructions

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. For the best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, as it will soften further during the reheating process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What to do if the Dish is Too Watery

If the sauce is too thin after the quick release, turn the Saute function back on for 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly over medium heat until the liquid reduces to your preferred consistency.

Fixing Overcooked Pasta

If the pasta is too soft, avoid over-stirring, which can break the noodles. Adding a bit more shredded cheese or a tablespoon of tomato paste can help thicken the sauce and provide more structure to the dish.

Adjusting the Sauce Thickness

For a thicker, creamier sauce, you can stir in a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream after the pressure cooking is complete. This creates a velvetier texture that clings better to the macaroni.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat macaroni works well in this recipe. However, whole wheat pasta often takes slightly longer to cook, so you may need to add one minute to the high-pressure cook time.

Is this recipe customizable for spice levels?

Absolutely. To add heat, stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning step. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Do I have to use beef broth?

No, chicken broth or vegetable broth are suitable substitutes. The beef broth provides a deeper color and flavor, but other broths will still result in a delicious meal.

Can I add spinach to the goulash?

Yes, stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach immediately after the pressure is released. The residual heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and a drop of lemon juice. This provides the necessary salty and tangy depth required for American-style goulash.