Easy Goulash Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together without fuss, you’re going to love this Easy Goulash Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I often turn to when I want something warm and filling on the table fast, especially after a busy day. The combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness hits all the right notes for a cozy dinner.

What makes this Easy Goulash Recipe stand out is how effortlessly it blends simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours cooking. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for leftovers, which almost always disappear by the next day in my house. Plus, it’s flexible enough to tweak if you want to add your own twist – I’ll share a few ideas below!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays its part in building deep flavor and satisfying texture. When you gather these, choosing quality basics helps the dish shine—like a good lean ground beef and fresh veggies.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing your veggies and beef.
• Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized a bit.
• Green bell pepper, diced: Provides a slight crunch and freshness to balance the meat.
• Ground beef, lean: I like lean for less grease but still plenty of flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic warms everything up with its aromatic punch.
• Tomato sauce (canned): The base for that rich, tangy body of the goulash.
• Petite diced tomatoes (canned): Adds texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
• Beef broth: Enhances the savory notes and ensures the pasta cooks up tender.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that makes the sauce almost addictive.
• Seasoned salt: Balances and lifts all the flavors without overwhelming.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in herbal notes that pair beautifully with tomato and beef.
• Bay leaves: Adds subtle earthiness; don’t forget to remove before serving!
• Macaroni noodles, uncooked: Easy pasta that cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all those flavors.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts on top for a creamy, cheesy finish that everyone loves.

Variations

I love making this Easy Goulash Recipe my own depending on what I have around or what mood I’m in. Feel free to play with it — that’s part of the fun with a dish this flexible!

• Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version I’ve tried, and it still turned out tasty and comforting.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace meat with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty plant-based alternative that satisfies just the same.
• Spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, which I’ve done for an extra warming punch on chilly evenings.
• Cheese changes: Try mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to mix up the melty topping — I once surprised guests with pepper jack and it was a hit.
• Extra veggies: Throw in some sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots if you want more veggies, just toss them in early so they soften with the sauce.

How to Make Easy Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Meat Until Perfect

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook this mixture until the beef doesn’t have any pink left—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; letting the veggies soften and the beef brown properly builds a richer flavor. Be sure to drain any excess fat afterward to keep your dish from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Then All the Sauces and Spices

Once your beef and veggies have cooked down, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in your tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and add the bay leaves. Mix everything well; this is where all the rich flavor begins to come together.

Step 3: Stir in the Macaroni and Simmer Until Tender

Next, add your dry macaroni noodles straight into the pot and give it all a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to maintain a light boil. Let it cook uncovered while stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. It usually takes about 20 minutes for the noodles to be perfectly tender and fully absorb that tomato-beef sauce magic.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Serve Warm

Before serving, fish out and discard the bay leaves (don’t skip this step—these leaves aren’t tasty!). Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish. The cheese melts right into the hot goulash, making it extra comforting and irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or even some chopped fresh parsley on top to brighten it up. A dollop of sour cream also works beautifully if you want richer creaminess and a slight tang — perfect for balancing the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

This goulash is hearty enough on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness and crunch. Some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side always makes it feel extra special for a weeknight dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this Easy Goulash Recipe in small oven-safe bowls topped with cheese, then popped under a broiler for a couple of minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. This goulash keeps really well for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just make sure to cool it before sealing to avoid sogginess in the pasta.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this goulash with great success—just make sure to freeze it without the cheese added in. Freeze in meal-sized containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen any thickening. Stir frequently so the pasta doesn’t dry out. Once hot, stir in fresh shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to refresh that creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Goulash Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for good reason—it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a hectic day, and making it is genuinely a breeze. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your go-to comfort food, just like I have. Don’t forget to have fun with it and make it your own!

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