There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of classic American goulash to bring the family together on a busy weeknight. This Easy Goulash Recipe is the epitome of simple, satisfying cooking. Forget complicated steps and a sink full of dishes; this entire meal comes together in one pot in under 40 minutes. It’s a nostalgic dish packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to make this your new go-to dinner.
What Makes This The Best Easy Goulash Recipe?
This isn’t just any goulash; it’s a tried-and-true recipe designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the use of common pantry staples. Unlike Hungarian Goulash, which is more of a stew, American goulash is a hearty pasta dish. We simmer the macaroni right in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious, savory flavors, making the final dish incredibly rich and cohesive. It’s the perfect meal for beginner cooks or anyone craving a taste of home.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is its reliance on simple, affordable ingredients. You likely have most of what you need in your kitchen right now.
For the Goulash Base
- Ground Beef: We recommend using an 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for goulash, its tubular shape is perfect for catching the savory sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: This pair creates a rich, flavorful base with great texture.
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water deepens the flavor of the entire dish.
Seasonings and Aromatics
- Onion & Garlic: These form the essential aromatic foundation. Use fresh for the best results.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of classic goulash flavor and color.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and depth.
- Soy Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a wonderful umami kick.
- Bay Leaf: For a subtle, aromatic background note.
For a cheesy twist on a classic, consider stirring in some sharp cheddar at the end, similar to the flavors in this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
How to Make Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect pot of goulash ready in no time. It’s a straightforward process that delivers fantastic results every single time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Goulash
A few simple tricks can elevate your goulash from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Start checking the macaroni a few minutes before the recipe suggests. You want it to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce.
- Toast Your Spices: For a deeper flavor, add the paprika and Italian seasoning with the garlic and let them cook for about 30 seconds before adding the liquids.
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the beef, use a splash of the beef broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where a ton of flavor is hiding!
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, goulash is also wonderfully versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar or Colby cheese at the end until melted and creamy.
- Add Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions for an extra nutritional boost.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the other seasonings for a little kick. If you enjoy spicy dishes, you might also like this Cajun Seafood Alfredo.
What to Serve with American Goulash
This one-pot meal is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, serve it with warm, crusty Homemade Garlic Knots to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Steamed green beans or a side of Air Fryer Broccoli are also excellent choices.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Goulash is a perfect make-ahead meal and tastes even better the next day!
- Storing: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let the goulash cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat goulash on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
Easy Goulash Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often meld and taste even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
The sauce will naturally thicken as it rests. If you prefer it even thicker, you can let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering goulash.
To boost the flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
American goulash is a pasta-and-meat dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce. Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked stew with chunks of beef (like chuck roast), vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a broth heavily seasoned with paprika.
Elbow macaroni is the traditional and most popular choice because its shape holds the sauce well. However, other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells also work great.
Share Your Creation!
We are certain this Easy Goulash Recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s a dish that’s not just about feeding people, but about creating warmth and comfort. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback and creations make our day!
Easy Goulash Recipe
Easy Goulash Recipe (The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
