Transform weeknight meals with a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights: American-style goulash. This easy ground beef goulash recipe brings hearty flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s incredibly affordable and cooks entirely in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. While distinct from its Hungarian counterpart, this simple version promises a flavorful, satisfying family meal everyone will love.
To understand the culinary evolution, explore the distinct differences between American and Hungarian goulash.
Get ready to enjoy a truly simple dish!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Goulash
This delightful dish consistently wins hearts for several great reasons:
- Quick and easy preparation: You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: It uses pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
- Hearty, satisfying comfort food: Each spoonful offers warmth and rich flavor, perfect for any season.
- One-pot meal, minimal cleanup: Spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your family.
- Customizable for various tastes: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables.
- Kid-friendly, family approved: Even picky eaters enjoy this flavorful, pasta-filled dish.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting easy ground beef goulash recipe:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 3 cups beef broth
- (2) 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- (2) 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this goulash to fit your pantry and preferences.
- Ground meat alternatives: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble.
- Pasta shape swaps: Rotini, ditalini, or small shells work wonderfully if you don’t have elbow macaroni.
- Vegetable additions: Add diced carrots, corn, or peas during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra nutrition.
- Tomato product alternatives: Use a large can of crushed tomatoes in place of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce for a slightly different texture.
- Seasoning adjustments for flavor: Boost the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
- Cheese blend options: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend make excellent substitutions for cheddar.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple recipe.
- A large Dutch oven or pot is essential for cooking everything in one go.
- A wooden spoon or spatula helps with browning meat and stirring ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- A cutting board and knife prepare your fresh vegetables.
Instructions
Creating this easy ground beef goulash recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat from the pot and return it to the stove. This step builds a rich flavor base for your goulash.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly, being very careful not to let the garlic burn. Burned garlic can taste bitter.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves. Finally, add the elbow macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Remove the bay leaves from the pot before serving; they have already imparted their flavor. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt into the hot goulash for a creamy finish. Serve your hearty, flavorful goulash hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this ground beef goulash recipe is simple with these helpful tips.
- Achieve deep beef flavor: Always properly brown your ground beef before adding other liquids. This develops rich, complex flavors.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy: Cook the pasta only until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste your goulash before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- Thicken goulash if too thin: If your goulash is too soupy, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Avoid burning garlic: Garlic cooks quickly; add it after draining the fat and cook for only a short burst.
- Use fresh herbs for brightness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end adds a lovely, vibrant finish.
- Ensure proper fat drainage: Excess fat can make the goulash greasy. Always drain well after browning the beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keep these points in mind to ensure your goulash is perfect every time:
- Not draining excess fat: Skipping this step makes your goulash greasy and less appetizing.
- Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta detracts from the texture of this satisfying dish.
- Under-seasoning the dish: Don’t be shy with seasonings; taste and adjust as you go.
- Adding cheese too early: Stir in the cheese at the very end to prevent it from clumping or separating.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Round out your meal and manage leftovers with these tips for your delicious easy ground beef goulash recipe.
- Serving: Serve this hearty goulash with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For extra flair, offer optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftover goulash promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For optimal safety, always follow the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines for leftovers. For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta absorbs liquid during storage.
- Variations:
- Spicy goulash additions: For a kick, stir in a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
- Creamy goulash: Enhance the richness by stirring in 2-3 ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
- Vegetable boost options: Incorporate frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of simmering for added nutrients and color.
- Hungarian-inspired twist: Add a tablespoon of sweet Hungarian paprika along with the Italian seasoning for a nod to classic Hungarian flavors.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This easy ground beef goulash recipe provides a well-rounded meal.
| Serving Size | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 409 |
| Sugar | 10.2 g |
| Sodium | 679.9 mg |
| Fat | 11.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40.3 g |
| Fiber | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 36.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 84.1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about this popular comfort dish.
- What is American goulash? American goulash is a comforting, one-pot pasta dish typically made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, a tomato-based sauce, and cheese. It’s distinctly different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which features larger cuts of meat and a rich paprika broth.
- Can I freeze leftover goulash? Yes, you can freeze leftover goulash! Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How long does goulash last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, your goulash will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Can I make goulash in a slow cooker? While this recipe is for the stovetop, you can adapt many goulash recipes for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the elbow macaroni. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your broth is also gluten-free.
- What kind of ground beef is best? For this easy ground beef goulash recipe, lean ground beef (85-90% lean) is ideal. It provides flavor without excessive grease.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef goulash recipe truly delivers on its promise of a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s the ultimate go-to for busy parents and beginners looking for a comforting dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. Quick to prepare and even quicker to clean up, this one-pot wonder makes weeknight dinners effortless. Give this recipe a try tonight; your family will thank you! Don’t forget to share your comments, ratings, and photos if you make it.
Easy Ground Beef Goulash Recipe
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal, this easy ground beef goulash combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, then add onion, pepper, and ground beef. Cook until beef is thoroughly browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, bay leaves, and elbow macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a light boil and cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the bay leaves from the goulash. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
Notes
Be careful not to burn the garlic. For best results, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.