If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s goulash. The rich, savory flavors of tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and pasta combined into one hearty meal are comfort food at its finest. Goulash has a way of bringing families together around the dinner table. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it’s satisfying enough to feel like a special treat. For me, goulash holds a bit of nostalgia. Growing up, my mom would often whip up a big pot of this dish after school or during chilly weekends, filling our home with delicious smells and setting the stage for long conversations and laughter over dinner.
This easy goulash recipe is my version of that beloved family classic. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for busy nights when you want to feed your family something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your go-to dinner for busy evenings.
What is Easy Goulash Recipe?
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish, but the American version has evolved into a simple, comforting meal that often combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a mix of seasonings. While Hungarian goulash tends to be a stew-like dish with chunks of beef, the American variety is more of a one-pot pasta meal. It’s filling, flavorful, and super versatile easy to customize depending on what ingredients you have on hand.
This easy goulash recipe dials up the comfort factor without any complicated steps. You can have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Goulash Recipe
There are countless reasons why this easy goulash recipe deserves a place in your dinner rotation. First and foremost, it’s incredibly family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar flavors of ground beef and pasta, all in one bowl. It’s also very adaptable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking, swap ingredients, or add in extra veggies if you’d like to sneak in some extra nutrition. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses common pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
It’s also a fantastic leftover dish. Goulash tastes just as good (if not better) the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can even freeze it for later use, making it a great make-ahead meal. It’s filling, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you just don’t want to cook something complicated.
How to Make Easy Goulash Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Beef and Veggies:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pot, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5 minutes so the flavors start to meld together. - Cook the Pasta:
Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) to the pot and stir. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - Season and Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. If you want a little extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you like cheesy goulash, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before serving. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the goulash hot, straight from the pot. It’s rich, hearty, and delicious just the thing to make everyone at your table feel full and satisfied.
What to Serve With
This easy goulash recipe is a one-pot wonder, but there are plenty of delicious sides that will complement it perfectly. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter side, steamed veggies or roasted Brussels sprouts work wonders to balance the meal.
Top Tips for Easy Goulash Recipe
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking.
- Make it Healthier: Add in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to sneak in extra vegetables without compromising on flavor.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version of this dish, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free elbow macaroni or another gluten-free pasta option.
Storing and Reheating
Goulash stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only improve after a day or two! To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat on the stove over low heat. If the dish is a bit thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Goulash can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes! Goulash can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight helps the flavors develop even further. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles can be used in place of beef. You can also add beans or lentils for a plant-based version.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Goulash is very flexible. Add in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even carrots to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta shape will work, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.
Is this goulash kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This goulash is a hit with kids due to its familiar flavors and fun, bite-sized pasta. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Conclusion
This easy goulash recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor and comfort. It’s simple, quick, and a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or you’re planning ahead for leftovers, this goulash is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warmth, the taste, and the memories made around the table.
Easy Goulash Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
Anleitungen
- Cook the Beef and Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and stir. Cover the pot and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. For a cheesy goulash, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt. Serve hot.