Goulash Recipe

This classic recipe is a meal that my entire family loves. Goulash Recipe is the perfect ground beef recipe that takes minimal prep time. If you have made Hungarian Goulash, Crockpot Goulash, or Paula Deen’s Goulash then you are going to love this American Goulash Recipe.

This recipe is the perfect weeknight meal and can be made with a variety of ingredients to what you have on hand just like these Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Prep Time – This Goulash Recipe takes very little prep time and you can easily cook the ground beef ahead of time.
• Easy to Store – If you have leftovers, you can easily store in a freezer storage or in the fridge. It heats easily for a quick lunch the next day.
• Simple Ingredients – This recipe is budget friendly. We keep our pantry stocked with these ingredients so I can easily make when we need something quick. It is also perfect to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Lean – I love the flavor that beef adds to this recipe but ground turkey, pork or chicken could be used as well based on your preference
• Onion – Dice the onion with a vegetable chopper. You can also prepare ahead of time and freeze the onions. Yellow onion or white one are great options
• Green Bell Pepper – Dice the green bell pepper into bite size pieces
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Tomato Sauce and Petite Diced Tomatoes – Gives the goulash a delicious tomato base
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth  – Allows the pasta to cook in a delicious beef broth. You can also use water or chicken broth
• Worcestershire Sauce – If you are out, see Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe
• Italian Seasoning – You can make Italian Seasoning Recipe with simple spices
• Macaroni Noodles – Use any type of pasta that you prefer

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Pasta – Feel free to use any type of small pasta to make this Goulash Recipe. We love elbow macaroni noodles, but you can also use penne, cavatappi, and ditalini.
• Extra Beef Broth – If you prefer a soup consistency, you can add in more beef broth.
• Seasoning – Feel free to add in different type of spices instead the Italian Seasoning. Try these spices by adding ½ tsp of paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and seasoned salt.
• Veggies – You can even add in more vegetables such as red bell pepper, green beans, and peas.
• Cheese – For even more flavor, add in parmesan cheese or sharp cheddar cheese.

How to Make Goulash Recipe

• Step 1 – Brown the 1 lb or ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Break up the beef as it browns and drain off any excess grease. 

• Step 2 – Pour in the tomato sauce, 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp of minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaf and macaroni noodles. 

• Step 3 – Stir and bring the mixture to a low boil.  

• Step 4 – Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes until the pasta is cooked through and tender. 

• Step 5 – Remove the bay leaf and then the goulash is ready to serve in bowls and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Ground Beef – Cook the beef in a large skillet and drain off any excess grease.
• Cooking Goulash Mixture – Combine the ingredients in a large pot or a Dutch Oven. It needs to be big enough to be able to combine everything together.
• Pasta – Give time for the pasta to cook al dente. I usually test the pasta before serving to make sure it is cook tender.

What to Serve with Goulash?

Goulash is a delicious main dish recipe that is delicious served with many Side Dishes. These are some of our favorites.

• Steamed Asparagus Recipe
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
• Teriyaki Vegetables