Beef Goulash

This Beef Goulash is my take on a Hungarian goulash. In it, I like to include a variety of vegetables to make it a one dish meal. Lean ground beef, lots of fresh vegetables and a perfect blend of seasonings are simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Add the pasta to the same pot and let it cook until tender and the rich broth has thickened. Top it with sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese and dinner is served.

Easy Beef Goulash Recipe

Classic Goulash has Hungarian roots, but like most old fashioned recipes, it’s a dish that’s evolved over the years as each cook puts their own spin on it. While admittedly this recipe is a departure from classic Hungarian goulash, it’s a very popular family friendly variation that I serve quite often.

This beef goulash dish is incredibly versatile and customizable making it a frugal moms best friend. It’s a terrific choice to take to potlucks, serve for family dinners or game-day gatherings in place of chili. The pasta cooks in the same pot, which really makes clean-up a breeze.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make easy American Goulash Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Beef – Lean ground beef gives the goulash a beefy flavor.
• Pasta – Twisted elbow macaroni adds the pasta layer.
• Liquid – Water adds moisture for the pasta to cook in rhw same pot.
• Oil – Olive oil for sauteeing the beef and vegetables.
• Peppers – Both red and green bell pepper balances the flavor.
• Onion and Garlic – Onion and fresh garlic complement the tomato flavors in the sauce.
• Fresh Vegetables – This goulash uses celery and carrots for bulk.
• Sauce – Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce and canned tomatoes expand the flavor profile.
• Spices – Chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper.
• Aromatics and Fresh Herbs – Bay leaves and chopped parsley.
• Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese for a melty cheesy flavor and for garnishing.

How to Make the BEST Southern Style Beef Goulash Recipe

• Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables – Saute the ground beef, bell peppers, onion, carrot and celery in a few drizzles of olive oil until no pink remains, drain any excess fat from the pan.
• Garlic – Add garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
• Add Canned Tomatoes and Seasonings – To the pan add the Worcestershire, tomato sauce, fire roasted tomatoes and seasonings.
• Add Pasta and Liquid – Stir in the dry pasta and water.
• Cook – Simmer covered over medium-low heat per the cooking time in the recipe until the macaroni is al dente.
• Thicken with Tomato Paste – Mix in the chopped parsley and thicken the sauce with tomato paste, if needed.
• Cheese – Stir in cheese, then serve sprinkled with parsley, sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Beef Goulash Recipe

• Large pot or Dutch oven.
• Knife and chopping board.
• Cheese Grater.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large spoon for stirring.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Simple Ingredients You Likely Have on Hand – Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list, you likely have the vegetables you need in your crisper looking for something to make with them
• Pasta – This recipe is a terrific opportunity to use vegetable infused pasta, medium shells, egg noodles penne regatta or classic elbow macaroni noodles. Gluten free pasta and whole wheat pasta, would also work to get even more nutritional goodness into this pot of goulash.
• Protein – You can make goulash using ground chicken or ground turkey.
• Vegetable Add-ins – Veggies like carrots and celery add flavor and bulk to this dish. If you don’t have carrots, omit them with no other adjustments.
• Corn – Corn isn’t traditional but it would be tasty in this goulash recipe as well.
• Cheese – The sky’s the limit with cheese. A good sharp cheddar works great but you could use colby jack, mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese.
• Water – This goulash is packed with flavor and water works perfectly for cooking the sauce. You could use beef broth for an extra beefy flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce – You can adapt the thickness of the sauce according to your taste. Follow the recipe as written, then at the end of cooking add additional liquid, either water or beef stock, to thin the tomato sauce to your personal taste. You could also convert this recipe to a soup.
• Serving Goulash – You can serve goulash just as is with a side of garlic bread and a salad. We like it topped with a generous dollop of sour cream a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Beef Goulash in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add additional water or beef broth to thin the sauce when reheating.
• Freezer – You can freeze goulash for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes to Make

• This Supreme Pizza Pasta Skillet is packed with flavor.
• Stacked Beef and Bean Tostada Skillet topped with lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo.
• Skillet Cowboy Rice Casserole will bring the heat to meal time.
• Mashed potato topped Cottage Pie.
• This Enchilada Casserole has quickly become a fan favorite.
• Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for Italian night at home.
• You may also like this recipe for Skillet Sloppy Joe Casserole from Bread Booze and Bacon.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board