If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, then this Easy Goulash Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy pasta—all melding together into one satisfying pot of cozy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a fuss-free dinner that feels like a big, delicious hug, this dish checks all the boxes with simple ingredients and flavors that shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Goulash Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you want in a classic goulash.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables and beef, adding a subtle fruity richness to the base of the dish.
- Large onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when caramelized with the meat.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a pop of vibrant color and a mild crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein, providing hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy foundation that ties everything together.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Adds chunkiness and freshness to the texture, keeping bites interesting.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savoriness, making the sauce more luscious and flavorful.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a tangy, umami boost that elevates the meatiness.
- Seasoned salt: Enhances all flavors with just the right seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish aromatic highs and earthiness.
- Bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes during simmering for complexity.
- Macaroni noodles: The cozy pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top, it melts into creamy, comforting goodness to finish.
How to Make Easy Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown and Sauté Your Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and lean ground beef. Cooking and stirring often, brown the beef thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, then drain any excess fat for a less greasy dish. Add the minced garlic and cook it just for about 30 seconds—this brief warm-up releases its fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that forms the backbone of your goulash.
Step 2: Build Your Sauce and Add Pasta
Next, pour in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Whisk in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning to layer in those vibrant, comforting flavors. Add the bay leaves for an herbal complexity, then stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring everything to a lively boil over medium-high heat—this jump-starts the pasta cooking right in your flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Once boiling, lower the heat so the mixture can gently simmer. Give it occasional stirs to prevent sticking. This is where the magic happens: the noodles soften and soak up all those rich flavors while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. After about 20 minutes, you’ll have tender pasta swimming in a robust, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Finally, fish out the bay leaves and discard them. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese directly into the goulash for a melty, creamy finish that pulls the whole dish together. The gooey cheese adds a satisfying, silky texture and a sharp, tangy note. Serve it up hot and get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Easy Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Goulash Recipe even more, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These fresh garnishes add a fantastic pop of color and brightness that contrast with the rich, hearty flavors. A dollop of sour cream also adds a creamy tang that complements the cheese wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is a fantastic all-in-one meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect companions to soak up any leftover sauce, ensuring no delicious bite is wasted.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your goulash in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions that look charming and allow each person to enjoy their own cheesy, bubbling hot bowl. You could also layer the goulash and cheese in a casserole dish and bake briefly for a golden crust on top, bringing a whole new texture and flavor to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Goulash Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld more fully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When chilling, separate portions out for easy grabbing during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for longer storage, but be sure to cool the goulash completely first. Place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen goulash will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a convenient meal option for busy days.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your stored goulash, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it looks thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covering loosely to keep moisture in and heating in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well in this Easy Goulash Recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and season well, as turkey can be milder in flavor.
Is it necessary to add Worcestershire sauce?
While optional, Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami richness that really enhances the meaty flavors in the goulash. If you don’t have it on hand, a splash of soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure! While traditional macaroni noodles are classic, pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even small shells will also absorb the sauce beautifully and hold up well during the simmering process.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning or stir in a bit of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. This Easy Goulash Recipe is versatile enough to handle a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the cheese at the end to melt in. The pasta texture might vary slightly, so you might prefer to add it during the last hour of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Goulash Recipe brings together bold flavors, simple steps, and warm comfort all in one hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that satisfies big appetites and happy hearts. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if this recipe quickly becomes one of your favorites too!
Print
Easy Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Goulash Recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and flavorful seasonings simmered to tender perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Seasonings and Pasta
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
Dairy
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until beef is completely browned. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and add bay leaves. Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles thoroughly. Bring the entire mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Lower heat to a simmer on low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the goulash simmer for about 20 minutes until the macaroni is tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated just before serving to give the dish a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and improve flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the seasoned salt and Italian seasoning.
- This recipe can be made in advance and reheated; add a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much when reheated.
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the cheddar cheese with Velveeta or a similar meltable cheese.
