Easy Goulash Recipe

This easy goulash recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese into one hearty meal that tastes even better the next day. This American-style goulash is not the same as traditional Hungarian goulash. It is a quick stovetop dinner that families have loved for generations because it is affordable, satisfying, and easy to customize.

Main Essence of This Dish

The heart of this dish is its rich tomato-based sauce mixed with perfectly cooked macaroni and savory ground beef. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It is warm, comforting, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Goulash Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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How to Make Easy Goulash

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour in the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir well so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Spoon the goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with garlic bread or a simple side salad.

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Helpful Tips for Better Flavor

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
• Do not overcook the pasta because it will continue absorbing sauce as it sits.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Leftovers taste even richer the next day after the flavors settle together.

Easy Variations

What to Serve with Goulash

This easy goulash pairs wonderfully with buttery garlic bread, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad. For a more comforting meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

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Nutritional Information

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.