Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of goulash, full of bold flavors and tender goodness.
For me, it brings back memories of cozy weeknight dinners when I was growing up.
My mom would whip up her old-fashioned goulash recipe in one big pot, and the whole house would fill with the aroma of tender ground beef, warm spices, and tomatoes. It was one of those meals that brought everyone to the table with smiles.
This goulash recipe is my take on that classic dish, but with a few modern touches to make it even easier. It’s perfect for busy nights because it uses simple ingredients, cooks up in one pot, and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Plus, there’s a cheesy twist that makes it irresistible! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this is the best-ever goulash recipe to have in your rotation.
What’s Inside This Recipe?
Ingredients for Easy Goulash Recipe
You’ll love how simple and straightforward this ingredient list is! Everything is easy to find and comes together to create a delicious, satisfying meal.
- 1 pound ground beef (I like to use lean ground beef to keep it lighter)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Special tools:
- A large pot or Dutch oven is perfect for this one-pot recipe.
Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Goulash Recipe
This easy goulash recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 1: Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes.
Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the liquids and seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato soup, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook the macaroni
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed some of the delicious sauce.
Step 4: Add the cheese
If you’re going for a cheesy twist, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir it in until melted and creamy. This step is optional, but trust me, it makes the goulash extra comforting and kid-approved!
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and the goulash is piping hot, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this goulash recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Goulash: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a veggie-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free Goulash: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since gluten-free pasta can cook a bit differently.
- Crockpot Goulash: Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic as directed, and then transfer everything (except the macaroni) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Leftover goulash reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Goulash Recipe
What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
Traditional Hungarian goulash is more like a soup or stew made with chunks of beef, paprika, and potatoes.
American goulash, like this recipe, is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. Both are delicious, but this version is quicker and easier!
Can I freeze goulash?
Yes, goulash freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What can I serve with goulash?
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or garlic bread. It’s perfect comfort food!
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeding a big family or want leftovers, you can easily double the ingredients. Just make sure your pot is big enough to hold everything.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
If you’re out of cheddar, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different twist.
A family favorite you’ll want on repeat!
I hope this easy goulash recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, it’s so simple to customize to your tastes.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or rate the recipe to share your experience. And don’t forget to share your goulash creations on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious results!
Looking for more comforting dinner ideas? You’ll love my Ground Beef Potato Casserole, it’s another family favorite.
Happy cooking!
Wanda
Classic Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef I like to use lean ground beef to keep it lighter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth for a lighter flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra cheesiness
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the liquids and seasonings
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato soup, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook the macaroni
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed some of the delicious sauce.
Step 4: Add the cheese
- If you’re going for a cheesy twist, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir it in until melted and creamy. This step is optional, but trust me, it makes the goulash extra comforting and kid-approved!
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Once the cheese is melted and the goulash is piping hot, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
