Easy Goulash Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to pull together on a busy night, this Easy Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those classic dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for feeding a crowd or just having delicious leftovers for the week ahead. I love how this recipe balances savory tomato flavors and tender ground beef with the simple joy of pasta – it really hits the spot every time.

What I appreciate most about this Easy Goulash Recipe is how straightforward it is, yet it never sacrifices flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for yourself, this dish comes together quickly and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, it’s super flexible – you can tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry, which makes it a go-to dinner in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work harmoniously to create a rich, flavorful goulash. Nothing fancy, just comforting basics that blend perfectly. When shopping, look for lean ground beef to keep it hearty but not greasy, and fresh veggies to lift the whole dish.

• Olive oil: A little goes a long way for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
• Onion, diced: Provides the sweet, aromatic foundation.
• Green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild, fresh crunch and color contrast.
• Ground beef, lean: The main protein—lean helps keep the goulash from getting greasy.
• Garlic, minced: Just a few teaspoons pack a fragrant punch.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Deepens the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce.
• Petite diced tomatoes (canned): For texture and a little chunkiness in the sauce.
• Beef broth: Boosts the savory depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pot.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami and complexity.
• Seasoned salt: A quick way to layer in flavor without fuss.
• Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil add subtle earthiness.
• Bay leaves: Infuse the broth with gentle aromatic notes; don’t forget to remove them!
• Macaroni noodles, uncooked: Cooks in the sauce, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: Stirred in at the end for melty, cheesy goodness.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Goulash Recipe based on what I have in my pantry or to suit different moods. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—these tweaks can refresh the dish and keep things exciting.

• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms. I tried this once with lentils and it was comforting in a completely new way.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the veggies if you want a little kick.
• Different pasta shapes: Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or even rigatoni work beautifully and give the dish a new texture to enjoy.
• Cheese variations: I sometimes mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooey stretch or extra flavor.

How to Make Easy Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, then add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is completely browned with no pink showing—this usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Don’t rush! Browning the meat well adds so much flavor. When done, drain any excess fat from the pot and return it to the stove. Add the garlic next and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch it carefully because garlic burns quickly and you don’t want that bitter taste.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce and Add Pasta

Next, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir everything together before adding the uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a light simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom. It’ll take about 20 minutes for the pasta to get tender and soak up all those rich flavors in the sauce.

Step 3: Final Touches

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, fish out the bay leaves—they’ve done their aromatic magic! Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts beautifully into the goulash. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if you need to. Serve up immediately for that fresh, cheesy finish everyone loves.

How to Serve Easy Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a huge fan of adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I top it off with a little dollop of sour cream to add creaminess—it really balances the acidity of the tomatoes nicely.

Side Dishes

This goulash is a full meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s the perfect combo on chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without too much fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at family gatherings, I’ve served this Easy Goulash Recipe in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of cheese and a tiny baked crust of breadcrumbs on top—it looks fancy but is so simple. It’s a fun way to dress up a humble dish for special occasions or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it down a bit before refrigerating to keep things fresh longer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When I’m ready, it thaws nicely and reheats without losing its comforting texture. Just remember to leave out the cheese when freezing and add it fresh when reheating to keep it melty and delicious.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Adding fresh cheese at the end always revives that just-made taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Goulash Recipe is such a comforting, no-fuss dish that I always come back to, whether I’m whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or feeding friends on a chilly night. It’s approachable, tasty, and filling—just what you want from a classic goulash. I really hope you try it and make it your own little kitchen favorite like I have. Trust me, once you get those melty cheeses and rich tomato sauce together, you’ll have a new go-to meal that never gets old.

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