Goulash, oh how it takes me back—it’s like a warm hug from grandma on a chilly evening. This one-pot wonder, brimming with hearty beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, is the epitome of comfort food. You know, the kind of meal you crave after a long day when all you want is something simple yet soul-satisfying.
Steps
- Activate the sauté function on your electric pressure cooker. Once it’s hot, pour in the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the onion starts to brown, approximately 3 minutes.
- Introduce the ground beef to the cooker, seasoning it with paprika and salt. Break the meat into small pieces as you cook it, browning it for around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir frequently and let the mixture cook until the ingredients are fragrant and the bell pepper softens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, then add the bay leaf. Stir in the whole wheat elbow macaroni until well combined.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Use a quick release to stop the pasta from overcooking, then open the cooker and remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the dish, cover, and let it sit until the cheese melts. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1¼ teaspoons sweet paprika
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 red or orange bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
- Yes, you can swap the whole wheat elbow macaroni for any other small pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
- Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for the beef?
- Absolutely, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
- What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
- If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. It will provide a similar umami flavor.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- To add some heat, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking the beef.
- Can I prepare this dish without an electric pressure cooker?
- Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps, using a large pot, and simmer the dish until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Tips
- Ensure the onion is browned adequately to enhance the dish’s flavor; this should take approximately 3 minutes on the sauté setting of your pressure cooker.
- Utilize a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces while browning it to ensure even cooking.
- After adding the bell pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, allow the mixture to cook until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.
- Upon completing the cooking process, quickly release the pressure to prevent overcooking the pasta, and don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Equipment
- Electric pressure cooker
