Instant Pot Midwest Goulash: A Comforting One-Pot Wonder
Midwest Goulash, a hearty and comforting dish, is a staple in many households across the American Midwest. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, traditionally made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. Now, imagine taking that classic comfort food and making it even easier and faster to cook. Enter the Instant Pot! This electric pressure cooker transforms the traditional stovetop method into a streamlined, one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights or anyone craving a warm, fulfilling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Instant Pot Midwest Goulash recipe retains the familiar flavors and textures of the original while significantly reducing the cooking time and cleanup. It’s a dump-and-go recipe, meaning you simply add the ingredients to the Instant Pot, set the timer, and let the magic happen. The result is a tender, flavorful goulash that’s sure to please the whole family.
## Why Use an Instant Pot for Goulash?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages over the traditional stovetop method for making goulash:
* **Speed:** The Instant Pot cooks the goulash much faster than the stovetop, typically cutting the cooking time in half or even more.
* **One-Pot Convenience:** Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and simplifying the cooking process.
* **Tender Beef:** The pressure cooking method ensures that the ground beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
* **Enhanced Flavors:** The sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps to intensify the flavors of the ingredients, creating a richer and more aromatic dish.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once the Instant Pot is set, you can walk away and focus on other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **1 pound ground beef:** Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to avoid excessive grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Yellow or white onion works well. Diced finely so it integrates nicely into the dish.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. If using garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon.
* **1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes:** Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce. You can also use tomato puree or diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes provide the smoothest texture.
* **1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce:** Tomato sauce adds richness and depth to the sauce.
* **1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Diced tomatoes add texture and a slight sweetness to the goulash.
* **1 cup beef broth:** Beef broth adds moisture and flavor. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
* **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce:** Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Dried oregano provides a classic Italian flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried basil:** Dried basil complements the oregano and adds another layer of flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon paprika:** Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the garlic flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season to your preference.
* **2 cups elbow macaroni:** Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for goulash, but you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
* **Optional toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of plain yogurt.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Instant Pot Midwest Goulash:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Set it to ‘Normal’ or ‘Medium’ heat.
* Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
* Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**
* Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
* Add the elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot. Do NOT stir after adding the macaroni. Press it down gently to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking and cooking unevenly.
**Step 4: Pressure Cook**
* Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 4 minutes at high pressure.
* The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
**Step 5: Quick Release the Pressure**
* Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released.
* Wait until all the pressure is released and the float valve drops before opening the lid.
**Step 6: Stir and Serve**
* Remove the lid and stir the goulash well. The macaroni should be cooked through and the sauce should have thickened.
* If the goulash is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can turn the ‘Sauté’ function back on and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh parsley.
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier goulash.
* **Add vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the goulash, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery. Add them along with the onion and garlic in Step 2.
* **Use different meat:** Substitute ground turkey, ground sausage, or cubed stew meat for the ground beef.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can add lentils or beans for added protein.
* **Add cheese:** Stir in shredded cheese after cooking for an extra cheesy goulash.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this goulash in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the macaroni) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Storage:** Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
## Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Midwest Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Cornbread:** Sweet and savory cornbread complements the flavors of the goulash beautifully.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy side dish.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 20-25g
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g
* **Fiber:** 5-7g
## Conclusion
Instant Pot Midwest Goulash is a modern twist on a classic comfort food, offering a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this hearty dish. With its simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and customizable variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the stovetop and embrace the Instant Pot for a goulash experience that’s both satisfying and stress-free. Enjoy!