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The Best Goulash Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

This Best Goulash recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. A comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as a family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more broth or water.
  5. Final touch: Once the pasta is cooked, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
  6. Serve: Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onion and garlic.
  • You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta types, such as penne or rotini.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or a combination of meats instead of beef.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg