Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash – A Hearty & Authentic Recipe 🇭🇺🍲

There’s nothing quite as warm and comforting as a bowl of Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás). This traditional dish is packed with tender beef, onions, and the rich, smoky taste of Hungarian paprika. It’s a staple in Hungarian cuisine and has been loved for centuries.

By using the Instant Pot, you can achieve deep, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. This method tenderizes the beef beautifully while infusing the broth with incredible richness—making it the perfect weeknight meal or a dish to impress your family and friends.

A Brief History of Hungarian Goulash 🏰

Hungarian Goulash dates back to the 9th century, originally made by shepherds who slow-cooked beef over an open fire. It became a national dish when paprika was introduced to Hungary in the 16th century, giving the stew its iconic deep red color and smoky flavor. Today, Goulash is a beloved comfort food worldwide, enjoyed with dumplings, noodles, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✔️ Quick & Easy – The Instant Pot cuts cooking time significantly!
✔️ Authentic Flavor – Made with real Hungarian paprika for that classic taste.
✔️ Hearty & Filling – Perfect for cold nights or when you need a comforting meal.
✔️ One-Pot Dish – Less cleanup, more flavor!

Ingredients 🛒

For the Goulash

2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika (not smoked paprika!)
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional but adds depth)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 cups beef broth (or water with 1 beef bouillon cube)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami)
1 bay leaf
½ tsp marjoram or thyme

For Thickening (Optional)

2 tbsp flour or cornstarch + ¼ cup water (for a thicker stew)

Step-by-Step Instructions 🍲

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1️⃣ Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
2️⃣ Add cubed beef and brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).
3️⃣ Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions & Spices

1️⃣ Add chopped onions to the Instant Pot and sauté until soft and golden (about 3-4 minutes).
2️⃣ Stir in garlic, Hungarian paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute.