Authentic Hungarian Goulash: A Hearty Delight!
The aroma of hearty stew and spices wafting through the air never fails to bring back cherished memories of family gatherings and warm, comforting meals. And with this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe, you can treat your loved ones to a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Picture it: tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich broth, bursting with the flavors of sweet paprika, bell peppers, and carrots. The result is a satisfyingly savory stew that is perfect for crisp fall evenings or cozy winter nights at home.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this amazing one-pot comfort meal is sure to impress. So why not create a memorable food experience for you and your family with this delicious Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sink your teeth into something that is comforting, hearty, and straight from Eastern Europe with this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe. This recipe will provide you with an amazing one-pot comfort meal that will warm up your belly and soul!
It doesn’t matter how cold the weather gets outside as you will always have a cozy bowl of goulash to warm you up from the inside out. This comforting meal is prepared with tender chunks of beef cooked in rich broth along with sweet paprika, bay leaves, red bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Once done cooking in the Instant Pot, it will leave your kitchen smelling absolutely divine!
This recipe is perfect for meat lovers- tender and juicy beef stew meat gives this dish its incredible texture. The flavors are a harmonious combination of savory spices and fresh vegetables. The result is a dish that is both satisfying to eat and easy to make at home, especially since we’re using our Instant pot to make it!
There’s also no need to add any cream or sour cream to achieve the perfect velvety texture– making it a healthier option compared to other comfort meals! You’ll be surprised by how simple this main course is to put together in your Instant Pot while still giving your family or yourself a taste of authentic Hungarian cuisine.
Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe today- you’ll love how quickly it comes together, how flavorful it is, and how much warmth it brings to the table!
Ingredient List
Before we start to cook, let us check the list of ingredients for our Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash recipe.
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
- Salt and black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp of tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped into small pieces
- 5 medium-sized carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tbsp of flour
- Sour cream and fresh parsley for garnish
Most of these ingredients are already in your pantry. Be sure to have all of them on hand before starting.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe how-to. I promise you this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash will not disappoint!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons
olive oil - 2 pounds
beef stew meat, cut into 2 inch chunks - 1
yellow onion, diced - 3
garliccloves, minced - 4 tablespoons
flour - 4 tablespoons
sweet paprika - 1 tablespoon
tomato paste - 2 cups
beef broth - 2 teaspoons
salt, divided - 1 teaspoon black pepper,
divided - 2
bay leaves - 2
red bell peppers, seeded and chopped - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started on this hearty beef goulash!
Instructions:
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Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about two minutes, or until it starts to soften.
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Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
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Add the beef stew meat to the pot and sear it until browned on all sides.
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Add in the flour, sweet paprika, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and stir to combine.
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Pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
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Add in the bay leaves, cubed red bell peppers, sliced carrots, and mix well.
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Close the lid on the pot and turn the valve to seal.
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Set the Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes.
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Then, use a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
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Open the lid and give the goulash a good stir, then add in the remaining salt and black pepper to taste.
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Your comforting and hearty beef instant pot Hungarian Goulash is now ready! Serve hot with some sour cream and a side of egg noodles or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This goulash pairs well with traditional Hungarian side dishes such as boiled potatoes or spaetzle. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also elevate its taste. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating:
This dish can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Substitutions and Variations
For those who want to switch it up, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe. Here are some suggestions:
– Instead of beef stew meat, you can use ground beef or chunks of pork.
– If you don’t have sweet paprika, try substituting with smoked paprika for a different smoky flavor.
– For a spicier goulash, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
– If you prefer a heartier goulash soup recipe, add additional vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips or turnips as desired.
– Substitute egg noodles or rice for the traditional spaetzle or potatoes. This gives the goulash a different texture and is perfect when running low on time.
– Try experimenting with additional spices such as caraway seeds or cumin to give the goulash an added depth of flavor.
– If Instant pot is not available, cook in slow cooker for 8 hours on low until beef is cooked through and tender.
Creating variations will make this recipe stand out in any household, and will impress your culinary skills with its versatility. Experimenting with these different options is bound to cater to your taste buds and preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have made this comforting, hearty Hungarian Goulash, it’s time to dive in and fall in love with the rich flavors! Serve it up hot in a bowl and sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley as garnish. Don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream for that signature tangy flavor.
As for pairing options, this dish goes perfectly with some crusty bread or even egg noodles. The bread helps soak up the delicious broth while the noodles add an extra texture that compliments the tender chunks of beef.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this dish with a full bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine work great with the richness of this goulash.
Overall, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or even as a crowd pleaser for your next dinner party. Its deep flavors, tender beef, and creamy sour cream make it absolutely irresistible!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the art of saving a dish for later. It requires just the right touch to ensure the flavors remain and the dish still maintains its texture upon reheating. Fear not, for I have some tips to allow you to savor this Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe long after it’s been whipped up.
First, let’s discuss making ahead. There’s nothing more convenient than having a meal ready to go when you’re pressed for time the following day(s). This goulash is perfect for that! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Now, let me tell you how:
Once you’ve finished cooking and your tasty concoction is cooled and ready to be put away, simply spoon off any top layer of fat that has accumulated from the beef broth. From there, fill your container about â…” full with the goulash recipe and let it cool completely in the refrigerator before sealing it closed. You want to avoid any steam buildup and condensation that could cause sogginess. And there you go! When re-heating, simply transfer the amount desired into a microwave-safe bowl or onto a stove-top pan over low-medium heat [make sure to stir occasionally].
Worth considering when making ahead is how well the goulash freezes – like a dream! This robust stew can stay good in the freezer for up to six months with no change in taste quality if properly stored. To do so: allow it to cool completely and then place smaller portions (for easy defrosting) in freezer-safe containers (preferably glass as we try not to waste plastic) leaving at least an inch of space at the top before closing it shut. Label them properly with what’s inside and store them in the back or lower part of your freezer.
Now onto reheating – reheating can be difficult without sacrificing taste or texture, but fear not fellow chef. Reheating goulash is relatively easy while maintaining the same level of rich flavor and texture it had on first tasting by simply pouring it into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is hot all the way to the center. If you are heating in a microwave simply go for a minute, cycle stir or give a quick mix then go for another minute so that none of the meat gets chewy.
And lastly, an important note on food safety – no matter how much we love leftovers, make sure you reheat it well before consuming (not forgetting to store it quickly in a chilled environment afterward).
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results with this comforting hearty beef instant pot Hungarian goulash recipe, follow these tips and tricks.
Firstly, ensure to season the beef stew meat generously with salt and black pepper before sautéing it in the Instant Pot. This not only adds flavor to the meat but also helps it to brown better.
Secondly, do not overcrowd the Instant Pot when browning the meat. Brown it in batches if needed, as overcrowding leads to meat steaming rather than browning.
Next, use sweet paprika for an authentic Hungarian goulash flavor. Its rich and earthy taste makes all the difference in the dish.
For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the goulash after pressure cooking. The sauce will thicken up nicely in a few minutes.
Bay leaves make a great addition to this dish as they lend their sweet aroma and slightly bitter taste to the sauce. Use two bay leaves for this recipe.
Be sure to slice the onions and peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking time. You can also chop them finely or coarsely according to your preference.
Adding a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving of hot goulash provides a creamy contrast that balances out the rich and bold flavors of this dish.
Finally, serve your Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash over noodles or rice for a complete meal that will leave you feeling satiated and satisfied. Follow these tips, and you’ll make great Hungarian goulash every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that can be prepared easily in one pot. With tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich broth, this amazing one-pot comfort meal is sure to please your taste buds.
One of the greatest benefits of using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is the convenience it provides. This Hungarian Goulash recipe can be made easily and quickly, saving you time and effort without compromising on flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will surely impress your guests. So don’t hesitate, make this goulash instant pot recipe today and enjoy the authentic flavor of Hungarian cuisine right in your own home.
Remember to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own unique dish. You can serve this traditional Hungarian goulash with sour cream and egg noodles or pair it with a glass of red wine to complete the experience.
Hopefully, my detailed instructions, tips, recommendations will enhance your confidence in making the perfect Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash recipe. Try out this recipe today and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce thickening ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or you can use plain Greek yogurt)
Instructions
- Instant Pot instructions:
- Hit sauté on your Instant Pot. It automatically defaults to 5 minutes, which is perfect for this recipe.
- Add onions and oil. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add meat and sauté for another 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper.
- Add in carrots and bell pepper, paprika and tomato paste. Stir together.
- Add in beef broth and stir. Liquid will almost cover the meat, but not fully.
- Submerge the bay leaves.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure/pressure cook for 25 minutes. Make sure the valve is at “sealing.”.
- While that is cooking, make egg noodles according to package (or rice if you prefer).
- Now it's time to make the rue/sauce. We call this sauce, "slurry.".
- For the sauce/slurry, simply place all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. The sauce will be a thick, creamy mixture (almost like the consistency of mayonnaise). This sauce will be added at the end.
- When the timer on the Instant Pot turns off, turn it from "sealing" to "venting." This will release the steam.
- Let steam naturally release for 5 minutes. This simply means to just let it set and rest.
- Stir the slurry into the stew.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve.
- Enjoy!
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