Beef Goulash Recipe:
Beef goulash is one of those dishes that just *hits the spot* every time. Whether you’re making it for dinner or prepping leftovers for lunch, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s been on repeat in my kitchen. It’s hearty, savory, and loaded with tender ground beef, veggies, and a sauce that’s just the right amount of rich and tangy.
If you’ve been craving that perfect comfort food that also feeds a crowd, this is the one. And the best part? You can even make it with different meats like turkey, sausage, or venison if you want to mix things up! So, let’s get started.
Servings
This recipe makes 4-5 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours 30 minutes (for 6 servings)
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or any ground meat you prefer: turkey, pork, or venison work great!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth if you’re using a different meat)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you like, or use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4:
Add the pasta to the pot and stir everything together. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up.
Step 5:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Boom! You’ve got yourself a delicious, comforting beef goulash.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the meat: You can use ground turkey, pork, venison, or even sausage to change up the flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Make it spicier: If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Low-carb option: For a healthier, lower-carb version, try using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Nutrition
Each serving (without pasta) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Diet & Allergen Info
- Gluten-free: If you use gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free: No dairy in this recipe!
- Nut-free:This recipe is nut-free.
Storage Suggestions
This beef goulash keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day! Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This goulash actually tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, so it’s great for meal prep or leftovers!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works with ground turkey, pork, venison, or even sausage. Just adjust the seasoning to suit the meat.
