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One Pot Meal: Grandma’s Instant Pot Goulash
In the fast-paced world we live in today, finding time to cook a wholesome meal can be a challenge. Thankfully, the Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to prepare hearty meals in record time. One such dish that perfectly encapsulates comfort food is Grandma’s Instant Pot Goulash—a simple, yet delicious one-pot meal that warms the soul and satisfies the stomach.
What is Goulash?
Goulash is a classic dish that has its roots in Hungary, traditionally made with meat, vegetables, and spices. Over the years, it has evolved across various cultures, leading to many regional variations. The American version of goulash is typically a blend of ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and an array of seasonings. It’s a dish that many have come to love for its simplicity and heartiness—perfect for a family dinner or to serve guests.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy families and individuals. It combines several kitchen appliances into one—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more—allowing you to create delicious dishes with minimal time and effort. Using an Instant Pot for goulash not only speeds up the cooking process but also enhances the flavors by allowing ingredients to meld together beautifully under pressure.
Grandma’s Instant Pot Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Meat and Vegetables: Start by turning your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode. Add the ground beef or turkey, allowing it to brown. Shortly after, stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Once the meat is cooked through, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base for your goulash.
Incorporate the Pasta: Carefully add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial as it aids in even cooking.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook." Adjust the timer to 4 minutes. It’ll take some time to come to pressure, but that’s all part of the process.
Release the Pressure: After the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to "venting." Be cautious of the steam!
Final Touches: Once the pressure has fully released and the lid is safe to open, give the goulash a good stir. If you desire a creamier consistency, you can add cheese at this point and stir until melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with additional cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Recipe: Feel free to adapt the recipe based on your preferences. You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms or swap the macaroni for another pasta shape.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make a larger batch, cool it down, and store it in individual containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to five days or can be frozen for up to three months.
- Adjust the Spices: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of paprika and Italian seasoning. Conversely, if you like a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Instant Pot Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate and a reminder of simpler times spent with family. This one-pot wonder is not only convenient but also delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. So fire up that Instant Pot and let the cooking magic begin!
