Goulash Recipe
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’ve been searching for the best goulash recipe ever, look no further! This homemade goulash recipe is a total winner—hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s the kind of meal I make over and over, especially on chilly nights when comfort food is a must. It’s a crowd-pleaser, filling, and it reheats beautifully. Every bite is a flavor explosion!
Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1.5-2 hrs
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1: Cook the meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain excess fat.
Step 2: Build the base
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and season
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the pasta
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve
Once the pasta is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a side of garlic bread if you like!
Tips & Variations
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheese toward the end for a creamy, cheesy version. I love using mozzarella or cheddar!
- Swap the meat: If you're looking for a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or throw in some fresh jalapeños if you like it hot.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version!
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
Diet & Allergen Info
- Contains gluten (from the pasta)
- Contains dairy (if adding cheese)
- Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free with the right substitutions
Storage Suggestions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day! To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a little more broth if it thickens too much.
FAQ
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It reheats wonderfully!
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap out the elbow macaroni for any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells.
Related Recipes:
If you love this recipe for goulash, you might also enjoy my Hungarian Goulash Recipe or my easy goulash recipe easy that uses ground turkey for a healthier twist!
