Description
This Instant Pot Czech Goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender stewed beef simmered with Hungarian paprika, onions, and garlic. Prepared quickly using the Instant Pot, this classic Central European dish offers rich flavors and a comforting thick sauce, perfect for serving with traditional dumplings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 3 lbs stewed beef, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 large white onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup Hungarian paprika
- 4 cups beef broth (may need more)
- 2 teaspoons salt
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Few tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Sear Beef and Sweat Onions: Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Place in the stewed beef cubes and chopped onions. Sauté until the beef is well seared on all sides and the onions have softened and released their juices.
- Add Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Hungarian paprika, and salt. Mix well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in beef broth just until the meat is barely covered, ensuring enough liquid for pressure cooking but not too much to dilute the flavors.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 30 minutes. When cooking is complete, perform a quick release to vent the steam and open the lid safely.
- Thicken Sauce: Combine cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to make a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot, then set it back to sauté mode. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring continuously until it thickens. Once thickened, turn off the heat and let the goulash rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the goulash over or alongside traditional dumplings for a truly authentic Czech meal. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Beef can be substituted with pork or veal for variation.
- If Hungarian paprika is unavailable, a good quality sweet paprika can be used, but the authentic flavor may vary.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using store-bought or salted beef broth.
- For a thicker sauce, cornstarch quantity can be slightly increased but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Serve goulash with traditional Czech bread dumplings, potatoes, or noodles.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Czech
Keywords: Czech goulash, Instant Pot beef stew, Hungarian paprika recipe, Czech cuisine, beef goulash Instant Pot
