If you're in the mood for a comforting and flavorful meal that's quick and easy to prepare, you're in for a treat! This Instant Pot American Goulash recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce for a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting seconds.

Overhead image of American Goulash in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Why Your Family Will Love It

Effortless Cooking. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this American Goulash comes together with minimal effort. Just sauté, pressure cook, and you're done!
Classic Comfort Food. Goulash is a timeless comfort food that's perfect for any night of the week.
One-Pot Wonder. With the Instant Pot, you'll have fewer dishes to clean, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Make it spicy, add more veggies, or experiment with different herbs and spices.

Instant Pot American Goulash is a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a taste of classic American comfort food. With your Instant Pot as your trusty kitchen companion, you can enjoy this delicious dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What Is The Difference Between Goulash And Amerian Goulash?

American Goulash, sometimes referred to as American Chop Suey, is a hearty pasta dish with ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and macaroni. It's seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor profile. This dish is often associated with comfort food in the United States and is known for its simple yet satisfying taste.

Hungarian goulash, also known as "gulyás" in Hungarian, is a traditional Hungarian stew that is known for its rich and hearty flavors. It is one of Hungary's most iconic and beloved dishes. Hungarian goulash is often associated with comfort food and is enjoyed in Hungary and beyond.

What's In American Goulash?

Here's what you'll need to make this Instant Pot American Goulash recipe:

Ground Beef
Onion
Garlic
Elbow Macaroni
Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce
Beef Broth
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt and Pepper
Cheddar Cheese

How To Make American Goulash

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty meal in your Instant Pot:

Sauté- Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add the ground beef. Cook until it's browned and crumbled. Remove any excess fat.
Onion and Garlic- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Season- Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will infuse the dish with delicious flavor.
Tomatoes and Pasta- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and pasta to the pot in that order. Do not stir.
Pressure Cook- Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set it to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Quick Release- Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the release valve to venting.
Serve- Open the Instant Pot, and your American Goulash is ready to serve. You can top it with shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Close up of American Goulash in a white baking dish on a wooden cooking surface

Tips And Tricks

If you want to add some vegetables to your goulash, consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced carrots. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
For extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Customize your goulash by experimenting with different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
Leftovers make a fantastic next-day lunch, so be sure to store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations

American goulash is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some delicious variations and ingredient swaps to consider when making it:

Vegetarian American Goulash. Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless option.
Ground Meat Variations. Experiment with different ground meats such as ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a combination of meats for a unique flavor profile.
Spice It Up. Add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy goulash.
Extra Veggies. Boost the nutrition by incorporating more vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are excellent choices. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

What To Serve With American Goulash

When serving this American Goulash recipe, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal by pairing it with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Garlic Bread- A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce. You can make it by spreading butter and garlic on slices of French or Italian bread and toasting them in the oven.
Side Salad- A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash. Use a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing.
Steamed Vegetables- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a healthy and colorful side dish. They complement the goulash's heartiness with their lightness.

How Long Does It Last?

American goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat, follow these storage guidelines:

Cooling Properly. After cooking, allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. Hot food can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator and promote bacterial growth.
Airtight Container. Transfer the leftover goulash to an airtight container. Make sure it's sealed well to prevent air from entering, which can cause the food to spoil more quickly.
Label and Date. It's a good practice to label the container with the date when you cooked the goulash. This helps you keep track of how long it has been in the fridge.

Can You Freeze It?

Goulash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to label and date the container for reference.

When you're ready to enjoy it, place it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost it. Warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

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This Instant Pot American Goulash recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Its rich, flavorful sauce and tender pasta will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, the convenience of making it in the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy it with your family.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.

American Goulash Recipe | Instant Pot Goulash