If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in no time, this Easy Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic dish bursting with rich tomato flavors, tender ground beef, and satisfying pasta that hugs every bite with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, nutritious dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of simplicity and taste that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and bringing the perfect texture and color to your goulash.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way in sautéing the veggies and browning the beef for a flavorful base.
- Onion (1 cup, diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Brings a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant green color to the dish.
- Ground beef (2 lbs, lean): The star protein that makes this goulash hearty and satisfying without being greasy.
- Garlic (3 tsp, minced): Infuses a subtle pungency that lifts all the other flavors.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 15 oz each): Provides the rich, smooth tomato base essential to any great goulash.
- Petite diced tomatoes (2 cans, 15 oz each): Adds texture and bursts of tangy tomato flavor throughout.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Creates a savory, flavorful liquid that helps the pasta cook perfectly while enhancing the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (3 tbsp): Brings umami depth that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
- Seasoned salt (2 tsp): Enhances taste with balanced seasoning, making every bite pop.
- Italian seasoning (2 tbsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that adds complexity and warmth.
- Bay leaves (3): Infuse a subtle, aromatic earthiness during the simmering process.
- Macaroni noodles (2 cups, uncooked): The comforting pasta that soaks up all the tasty sauce.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): The melty finishing touch that adds creaminess and indulgence.
How to Make Easy Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook everything together until the beef loses its pink color. This step creates the foundation of flavor, with the onions softening and the peppers releasing their sweetness. Drain any excess fat to keep things light.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Sauces
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until its aroma fills the kitchen—about 30 seconds. Then pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves are added now to infuse the dish with complexity and depth. Don’t forget to add the dry macaroni noodles directly into the mix here, so they can soak up all those beautiful flavors while cooking.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then turn the heat down to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking. After roughly 20 minutes, the macaroni should be tender and the sauce thickened into a luscious, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Step 4: Cheese It Up and Serve
Finally, remove the bay leaves and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the pot will melt the cheese into a creamy, dreamy finish that ties the whole dish together. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your goulash can elevate the experience with fresh bursts of flavor and color. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of brightness. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool creaminess that complements the warm spices beautifully. For a little extra zing, a few crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up nicely.
Side Dishes
This goulash stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad brings refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are fantastic for sopping up every last bit of sauce, making every bite a little more indulgent. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables also provide a wholesome touch with simple, clean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the goulash inside hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for a charming presentation that doubles as a tasty edible vessel. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden for an easy, crowd-pleasing variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash tastes just as delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more comforting and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to save some for a later date. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your goulash gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Easy Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional and works perfectly here, feel free to swap in elbow macaroni, small shells, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms to give it that hearty texture while keeping it vegetarian. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
How spicy is this Easy Goulash Recipe?
This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add heat by including crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper during cooking to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the cheese at the very end just before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce is a bit thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, stirring in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a slurry of flour and water can help achieve the desired thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Goulash Recipe is more than just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings people together. It’s quick, fuss-free, and fills your home with inviting aromas that make it impossible to wait for the first bite. I can’t recommend enough making this dish a regular part of your cooking rotation—comfort food at its best, ready whenever you need it.
Print
Easy Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Goulash Recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, tender macaroni noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic seasonings. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this classic American goulash offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs. ground beef (lean)
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Pasta
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and lean ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add garlic: Return the pot to the stove on medium heat and add minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids, seasonings, and pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in seasoned salt and Italian seasoning. Add the bay leaves and uncooked macaroni noodles. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a light boil or simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the macaroni noodles are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves carefully. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious goulash!
Notes
- Drain the excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Feel free to use sharp or mild cheddar cheese based on your preference.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if preferred, but this will slightly change the flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
