If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that comes together faster than hours of slow simmering, this Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant bell peppers, earthy carrots, and comforting potatoes, all infused with smoky and sweet Hungarian paprika, this dish delivers big flavors without the big wait. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making every spoonful utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in this dish, and thankfully, they’re straightforward but impactful. Each element brings something special—richness from the beef, depth from the paprikas, and a colorful medley of vegetables that add texture and freshness.
- Beef (2 lbs chuck roast or boneless shank): Choose well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor after pressure cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For that perfect searing golden crust on your beef.
- Onions (2 large, finely chopped): They create a sweet, aromatic base that melts into every bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds punch, giving the goulash its savory backbone.
- Hungarian sweet paprika (2 tbsp): The star spice that lends that unmistakable smoky-sweet warmth.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds complexity and a gentle smoky hint that elevates the dish.
- Toasted fennel seeds (2 tsp): Introduces a subtle, fragrant hint of licorice that’s delightfully unexpected.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Boosts richness and gives the sauce a luscious, deep color.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The cooking liquid that brings everything together with savory depth.
- Bell peppers (2 large, cut into 1-inch pieces): For a pop of color and sweet crunch.
- Carrots (3 large, sliced 1/2 inch): Add gentle sweetness and tender texture.
- Potatoes (4 large, cubed into 1-inch pieces): Make the dish hearty and satisfyingly filling.
- Salt (1 tsp, plus more to taste): Essential seasoning for balancing flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp, plus more to taste): Adds that hint of heat and sharpness.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle herbal notes throughout the stew.
- Flour (2 tbsp, optional): For thickening the sauce to silky perfection, if you like a heartier texture.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with freshness and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heating the olive oil until shimmering. Add your beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot so each piece gets a gorgeous golden crust. This searing step seals in the juices and develops those delicious browned bits that bring depth to your goulash. Once browned, remove and set aside—the Instant Pot is ready for the next layer of flavor!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Vegetables and Spices
Pop in the bell peppers and let them char slightly to bring out their natural sweetness. Toss in the onions, cooking until soft and translucent, then add garlic until fragrant. Now sprinkle in the Hungarian sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and toasted fennel seeds—this aroma is the heart of your dish! Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to mingle and deepen the base flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Deglaze for a Flavorful Pot
Pour in a splash of beef broth to loosen and scrape up those golden brown bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. This is where the magic happens—the fond melts into the broth, intensifying the stew’s richness and aroma. It’s a small step but an essential one that sets the foundation for a deeply satisfying sauce.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Pressure Cook
Return the seared beef and bell peppers to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, along with carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is comfortably nestled in the liquid. Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 35 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes—this gentle finish helps keep the beef tender and juicy—then quick release the remaining pressure.
Step 5: Optional Thickening for a Silky Sauce
If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency, set your Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’. Mix the flour with a little water into a slurry, then stir it into the hot goulash. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up beautifully. This little extra step elevates the dish, giving it that classic goulash richness.
Step 6: Final Taste and Garnish
Give your goulash a final taste to adjust salt and pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with balanced, comforting flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each serving for a fresh, herbaceous contrast that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is traditional and brightens up the deep colors and flavors of the goulash perfectly. For a fun twist, a dollop of sour cream adds a cool creaminess that highlights the smoky spices beautifully. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra paprika on top for visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over buttered egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal. Warm crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the goulash into rustic bread bowls to impress guests with an edible container that’s as delicious as the stew itself. Alternatively, layering it over creamy polenta or even hearty quinoa brings a lovely textural contrast and makes this comforting dish feel fresh and exciting. Garnish with microgreens or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash is a dream to keep—store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each reheated serving tastier than the last. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and safety.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking. If it seems a bit thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh parsley and a final seasoning adjustment for that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this goulash?
Absolutely! While chuck roast or boneless beef shank are ideal for tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast, just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly. The Instant Pot helps make even tougher cuts tender and delicious.
Is it necessary to use the Instant Pot for this recipe?
The Instant Pot speeds things up tremendously while developing depth of flavor, but you can make this goulash on the stovetop or slow cooker. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot paprika to the spice mix for a gentle kick. You can also top servings with sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize the heat level.
What can I substitute for the flour if I want a gluten-free version?
Gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch slurry work great for thickening the sauce. Just mix either with cold water before stirring in, and cook until thickened as usual.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! This Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe is fantastic made a day in advance since the flavors intensify overnight. Simply reheat gently before serving, and garnish fresh to impress your guests with minimal day-of effort.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm, comforting embrace in every bowl. Easy to make with simple ingredients and bursting with deep, layered flavors, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with after a busy day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to for flavorful, fuss-free dinners!
Print
Instant Pot Beef Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 bowls
- Category: Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Goulash is a hearty and flavorful Hungarian-inspired stew featuring tender beef cubes, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes slow-cooked under pressure for maximum tenderness. The dish combines sweet and smoked paprika with toasted fennel seeds for a rich and aromatic flavor, thickened optionally with a flour slurry, and garnished with fresh parsley. Ideal for comforting family meals, this recipe delivers deep, warming flavors in a convenient and time-saving way.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 lbs (900g) chuck roast or boneless beef shank, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp toasted fennel seeds
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste after cooking)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste after cooking)
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables & Broth
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Water (to make slurry with flour)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing until all sides are golden brown. Remove the beef and set aside to retain the flavorful crust.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add the bell peppers to the pot and cook until slightly charred for added smoky flavor. Then add the onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, add the Hungarian sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and toasted fennel seeds, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas. Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a small amount of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This brings rich flavor into the stew and prevents burning during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Goulash: Return the seared beef and bell peppers to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, along with carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 35 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Mix the flour with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the stew. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the stew hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Be sure to cut beef into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Searing beef in batches ensures better browning and flavor.
- Toasted fennel seeds add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, omit the flour thickening or use a gluten-free thickener.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- This stew reheats well and flavors even deepen after resting.
