Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Hungarian Goulash, or *Gulyás*, is a hearty and flavorful stew that’s deeply rooted in Hungarian culinary tradition. Traditionally cooked in a cauldron over an open fire, this dish is known for its rich paprika-infused broth, tender beef, and satisfying vegetables. While the traditional method is undeniably delicious, it requires a significant amount of time and attention. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This modern kitchen appliance allows us to achieve the same depth of flavor and tenderness in a fraction of the time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and authentic Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash, bringing a taste of Hungary to your table with minimal effort.

## What is Hungarian Goulash?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what Hungarian Goulash truly is. Many people outside of Hungary think of goulash as a thick, gravy-like stew. However, in Hungary, *Gulyás* is more accurately described as a soup or stew with a thinner broth. The key ingredients are beef, onions, paprika (of course!), and usually potatoes and carrots. The flavor profile is savory, slightly smoky, and richly aromatic, thanks to the generous use of paprika.

## Why Use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for making dishes like goulash. Here’s why:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time. What would normally take 3-4 hours on the stovetop or in the oven can be accomplished in about an hour in the Instant Pot.
* **Tender Meat:** The pressure cooking environment tenderizes the beef beautifully, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The sealed environment of the Instant Pot allows the flavors to meld together more intensely, creating a richer and more complex broth.
* **Convenience:** It’s a hands-off cooking method. Once you’ve added the ingredients, you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to do other things.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash recipe:

* **Beef:** 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Beef chuck is ideal because it has a good amount of marbling, which renders down during cooking and adds flavor and tenderness.
* **Onion:** 2 large yellow onions, chopped. Onions form the base of the flavor and contribute sweetness to the stew.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic layer of flavor.
* **Sweet Paprika:** 2 tablespoons sweet paprika. This is the star of the show! Use high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika for the best flavor. Don’t substitute with smoked paprika unless you want a very different taste profile.
* **Hot Paprika:** 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional). If you like a little kick, add a teaspoon of hot paprika. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Caraway seeds add a distinctive anise-like flavor that’s characteristic of Hungarian cuisine.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and richness to the broth.
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups beef broth. Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade beef broth if you have it.
* **Potatoes:** 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Use a waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which will hold their shape better during cooking.
* **Carrots:** 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced. Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), chopped. Bell pepper adds a slightly sweet and vegetal note.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf adds a subtle but important layer of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. For searing the beef.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Sour Cream:** For serving (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** For garnish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make your Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash:

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This is important for achieving a good sear.
* Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Beef**

* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add the vegetable oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and prevent the beef from browning properly. Sear each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the seared beef and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Add the chopped onions to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these bits are packed with flavor!
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.

**Step 4: Deglaze the Pot**

* Pour in about 1 cup of the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process is called deglazing, and it’s crucial for preventing the ‘Burn’ warning on your Instant Pot and for adding depth of flavor to the stew.

**Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Pressure Cook**

* Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot.
* Add the remaining beef broth, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and bay leaf.
* Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes at high pressure.

**Step 6: Natural Pressure Release**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve; just let the pressure release on its own. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by opening the valve. Be cautious, as hot steam will be released.

**Step 7: Check and Adjust Seasoning**

* Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Remove the bay leaf.
* Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the goulash sits.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**

* Ladle the Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash into bowls.
* Garnish with a dollop of sour cream (optional) and fresh parsley (optional).
* Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.

## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash

* **Use High-Quality Paprika:** This is the most important tip! Hungarian paprika is known for its rich flavor and vibrant color. Look for paprika that is labeled as ‘Hungarian Sweet Paprika’ or ‘Édesnemes.’
* **Don’t Skip the Searing:** Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise. It creates a Maillard reaction, which results in those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
* **Deglaze Thoroughly:** Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing the beef and sautéing the onions. This will prevent the ‘Burn’ warning and add flavor to the stew.
* **Natural Pressure Release:** Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes helps to tenderize the beef even further.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove some of the liquid from the Instant Pot after cooking and simmer it on the ‘Sauté’ function until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the goulash. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** If you like spicy food, feel free to add more hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Let it Rest:** Like many stews, goulash tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together and deepen as it sits.

## Variations and Additions

Here are some ideas for customizing your Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash:

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, celery root, or mushrooms.
* **Use Different Cuts of Meat:** While beef chuck is the most common choice, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as beef round or stew meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Wine:** For a richer flavor, add a cup of dry red wine to the Instant Pot along with the beef broth. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make a vegetarian version of goulash, substitute the beef with mushrooms or other vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
* **Add Dumplings:** For a heartier meal, add Hungarian dumplings (csipetke) to the goulash during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Csipetke are small, irregular-shaped dumplings made from flour, eggs, and water.

## Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more enjoyable:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the stew.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
* **Spaetzle:** Serve with spaetzle, a type of soft egg noodle that’s popular in Central European cuisine.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Pickled Vegetables:** Serve with pickled vegetables, such as pickles or sauerkraut, for a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the stew.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the goulash in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash**

A flavorful and easy recipe for Hungarian Goulash made in the Instant Pot. This hearty stew is perfect for a weeknight meal.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 large yellow onions, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
* 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 6 cups beef broth
* 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
* 1 bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), chopped
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Sour cream for serving (optional)
* Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the beef in batches, searing for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onions to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in about 1 cup of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Add the remaining beef broth, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes at high pressure.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
8. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Ladle the goulash into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash!