Rich Instant Pot Beef Goulash

This Instant Pot Beef Goulash transforms what's traditionally a slow-cooked Hungarian classic into a weeknight miracle. The tender beef chunks swim in a rich, paprika-infused gravy that tastes like it's been simmering all day, yet comes together in under an hour. My family requests this hearty comfort food whenever temperatures drop.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season of life when I needed nourishing meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's become our go to comfort food that impresses even my Hungarian neighbor who says it reminds her of home.

Ingredients

• Beef: roast or stew meat ensures fork tender results while providing rich flavor. Look for well marbled chuck roast for best results
• Salt: enhances the beef's natural flavors and helps create a beautiful brown crust when searing
• Cooking oil: with a high smoke point like avocado or canola creates the perfect sear without burning
• Onion: provides the aromatic foundation. Yellow onions work best here for their balanced sweetness
• Beef broth: forms the savory liquid base. Opt for low sodium to control seasoning levels
• Dry onion soup mix: delivers concentrated flavor without extra chopping. It's my secret shortcut ingredient
• Hungarian paprika: brings authentic color and mild pepper flavor. The difference between Hungarian and regular is noticeable if you can find it
• Carrots: add natural sweetness and hearty texture. Choose firm bright orange ones
• Cornstarch: creates the perfect silky gravy texture without hours of reduction
• Browning sauce: is optional but gives that deep rich color that makes this dish look as good as it tastes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Beef:

Sprinkle cubed beef generously with salt and let it sit while you prepare other ingredients. This not only seasons the meat but helps achieve a better sear. Make sure your beef chunks are relatively uniform in size about 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking.

Sear for Flavor:

Heat your Instant Pot on sauté function until the display reads HOT before adding oil. Place beef in a single layer working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Allow each side to develop a deep brown crust before turning approximately 15 20 seconds per side. This caramelization creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Develop Aromatics:

Add chopped onions to the pot with the browned beef and sauté for a full minute. The onions will begin to soften and absorb the flavors from the meat drippings creating another layer of complexity in your goulash.

Deglaze and Season:

Pour beef broth into the hot pot scraping the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. These caramelized pieces contain concentrated flavor. Add onion soup mix and paprika stirring to distribute evenly throughout the liquid.

Pressure Cook the Beef:

Seal your Instant Pot and cook on the meat/stew setting or high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow natural release for 8 10 minutes before venting remaining pressure. This cooking method breaks down tough connective tissues in the beef resulting in melt in your mouth texture.

Add Vegetables:

Open the pot and add carrots. Pressure cook for just 2 minutes with quick release. This brief cooking time ensures perfectly tender vegetables that hold their shape rather than disintegrating into the sauce.

Create Silky Gravy:

Return to sauté function and slowly add the cornstarch slurry while constantly stirring. The sauce will visibly thicken before your eyes to a luxurious gravy consistency. Add browning sauce if desired for that classic deep rich color that makes goulash so inviting.

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My grandmother always insisted that paprika makes this dish special. She would import Hungarian paprika directly from Budapest claiming the American version just wasn't the same. While any paprika works the authentic Hungarian variety adds a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates this dish from good to exceptional.

Make Ahead and Storage

This goulash actually improves with time making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze portions for up to 3 months. When freezing I recommend slightly undercooking the carrots as they'll soften more when reheated. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

While traditional Hungarian goulash is often served as a soup my Americanized version works beautifully over egg noodles mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta. For a complete meal add a side of tangy cucumber salad or quick pickled cabbage to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool creamy contrast that my children particularly love. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Hungarian paprika? Regular sweet paprika works though smoked paprika adds an interesting dimension. For beef roast any tough cut like chuck shoulder or round roast will work perfectly after pressure cooking. In a pinch ground beef can substitute though the texture will be different. Vegetarians can even enjoy this dish by substituting mushrooms and increasing the vegetables double the carrots and add parsnips for a hearty meatless version. The browning sauce is entirely optional I often skip it when making this for just my family.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What beef cut works best for this dish?

Beef roast or stew meat works beautifully in this dish. Both become tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot.

→ Can regular paprika be used instead of Hungarian paprika?

Yes, regular paprika can substitute for Hungarian paprika, though the flavor profile may be slightly less distinct.

→ How do I avoid a 'burn' notice on my Instant Pot?

Ensure there’s enough liquid and scrape up any browned bits during deglazing to prevent the burn notice.

→ Can I make this dish ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can prepare this and freeze it for 2-5 months. Omit the carrots initially and add them after reheating.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This goulash pairs perfectly with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even hearty roasted vegetables.