The Best Goulash Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that brings the flavors of home to the dinner table? Look no further than this The Best Goulash. This one-pot wonder is loaded with tender ground beef, pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of spices that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Goulash has always been a favorite for busy weeknights, family dinners, and even casual get-togethers. The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly easy to make but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Plus, it’s totally customizable—you can adjust the seasoning, add more veggies, or swap in different proteins to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it with a side of garlic bread or just digging in with a spoon, this goulash is the perfect way to satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Why You’ll Love The Best Goulash

This goulash recipe has everything you want in a cozy, filling meal. Here’s why it’s going to become your new go-to comfort food:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Made with simple pantry staples, this dish has a rich, deep flavor profile. It’s the kind of meal that makes you think, “How did something so easy taste so good?” The combination of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a few secret spices makes the flavor truly shine.

Quick & Easy

Weeknight dinner? No problem! This goulash comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You can have a big pot of this deliciousness on the table in no time.

Hearty & Filling

The combination of pasta and ground beef creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal. It’s filling enough to keep you full all night long, yet light enough that you don’t feel weighed down.

Customizable

You can make this goulash your own. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, swap the ground beef for turkey or sausage, or even throw in some cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The options are endless!

Kid-Friendly

This dish is a huge hit with kids—what’s not to love about pasta and ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce? Plus, it’s easy to adjust the spice level, so picky eaters will love it too!

Ingredients

This goulash recipe calls for a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef

The star of the show! Ground beef adds richness and a savory flavor to the dish. You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option, but I recommend using something with a bit more fat to get that juicy, flavorful base.

Elbow Macaroni (or Pasta of Choice)

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for goulash, but you can use any small pasta shape you like—penne, rotini, or even fusilli work wonderfully. The pasta absorbs the rich sauce and creates that satisfying texture.

Tomatoes

A combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce provides the perfect base for the goulash’s rich, tangy sauce. The crushed tomatoes bring a chunky texture, while the tomato sauce makes the broth smooth and flavorful.

Onion and Garlic

These two are your flavor foundation. They add depth and sweetness to the dish when sautéed, making the base of the sauce even more aromatic and delicious.

Bell Pepper (Optional)

Some versions of goulash include diced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. They also add a nice pop of color to the dish.

Beef Broth

Beef broth adds savory richness and helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, chicken broth works too!

Spices: Paprika, Oregano, Basil, Salt & Pepper

A combination of paprika, oregano, and basil gives the goulash that signature hearty flavor. Paprika adds a smoky warmth, while the herbs bring a savory, aromatic touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season it all to perfection!

Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

While optional, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving adds an extra layer of gooey goodness to this already amazing dish. It melts right into the hot goulash and makes it even more indulgent.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making the best goulash? Let’s get started! Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant. If you’re adding bell peppers, throw them in at this stage and sauté for another minute or two.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Stir in the paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add a little more salt, pepper, or spices if you want a bolder flavor.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce is thickened and the flavors are well-developed, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your goulash hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve The Best Goulash

This hearty, flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to goulash. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce and adds that satisfying crunch.

Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the goulash. It helps balance the flavors and adds some freshness to the meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make a great side dish. They add extra nutrients and a bit of roasted sweetness that complements the goulash beautifully.

Pickles or Pickled Onions

The acidity of pickles or pickled onions cuts through the richness of the goulash, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your goulash turns out perfect every time:

Make it Ahead

Goulash tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together, making it even more delicious.

Freeze Leftovers

This goulash freezes wonderfully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

Add More Veggies

If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just stir them in after the sauce has simmered, and cook until they’re tender.

Customize the Spice Level

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. The choice is yours!

Q2: Can I make goulash without meat?
A2: Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian version by using lentils, tofu, or even just extra vegetables in place of the ground beef.

Q3: Can I make goulash in a slow cooker?
A3: Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, broth, spices, etc.). Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes to cook it right in the sauce.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to

3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add cheese to the goulash?
A5: Absolutely! You can stir in some shredded cheese directly into the goulash for extra creaminess, or just sprinkle some on top before serving for a cheesy finish.

This Best Goulash is the perfect dish to gather around with your loved ones. It’s warm, filling, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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