Easy Goulash Recipe

By Muhammad Faizan

Description

This Easy Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors are rich and savory, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Servings

6–8 servings

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. Add Aromatics
    Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

  3. Add Liquids & Seasonings
    Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

  4. Simmer
    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni.

  5. Cook Pasta
    Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–17 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

  6. Optional Cheese
    Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheese if desired until melted.

  7. Serve
    Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then serve warm.

Recipe Notes

  • The macaroni absorbs liquid as it sits—add a splash of broth to loosen leftovers.

  • For traditional Hungarian flavor, add sweet Hungarian paprika.

  • Ground turkey or plant-based meat works well as substitutes.

  • Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt level.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the meat well: This caramelization adds depth of flavor.

  • Stir occasionally: Prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom.

  • Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end.

  • Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

  • Add veggies: Zucchini, peas, or mushrooms bulk it up and add nutrition.

Health Benefits

  • High in protein, thanks to the beef and pasta.

  • Tomato-based sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant.

  • Add vegetables to increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Comfort food that can be made lighter by using lean meat and whole-grain pasta.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 8)

Values may vary depending on ingredients.

  • Calories: ~330

  • Protein: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sodium: 620mg

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I freeze goulash?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with a little broth.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes—small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work best. Adjust cook time as needed.

3. Can this be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I make it spicier?

Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—replace beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

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