Easy Goulash Recipe

Introduction

This easy goulash recipe is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s both hearty and satisfying. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 3 tsp garlic, minced
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Return the pot to the stove.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Stir well.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving, and enjoy your hearty goulash!

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try browning the beef in batches to avoid steaming it.
• Swap macaroni noodles for elbow pasta or small shells if preferred.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Top with fresh parsley or extra cheese for garnish.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, goulash tastes great reheated and can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

Can I freeze leftover goulash?

Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Goulash Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 116 reviews

This Easy Goulash recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this classic dish combines savory flavors and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, quick-cooked meal.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 3 tsp garlic (minced)

Meat

• 2 lbs. ground beef (lean)

Pantry

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups macaroni noodles (uncooked)

Dairy

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Cook the vegetables and beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and 2 pounds of lean ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot, then return the pot to the stovetop.
2. Add garlic and build flavor: Stir in 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. This infuses the dish with a robust garlic aroma and flavor.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 2 cans of tomato sauce, 2 cans of petite diced tomatoes, and 3 cups of beef broth. Add 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, and 3 bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Add macaroni and cook: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle boil (simmer). Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors and thicken the sauce.
5. Finish with cheese and serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt and add a creamy, cheesy finish to the goulash. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Drain the excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
• Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking or scorching on the bottom of the pot.
• Feel free to substitute macaroni noodles with elbow pasta or small shells as preferred.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.

Keywords: easy goulash recipe, ground beef goulash, one pot meal, comfort food, simple dinner, tomato pasta dish