Easy Beef Goulash Recipe: A Family Favorite For Dinner

Hungarian cuisine sparkles with hearty goulash that tells a story of rustic comfort and deep flavor traditions.

Nomadic cowboys once cooked this rich stew over open campfires across sweeping plains.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the delicate balance between tender meat and robust spices.

Paprika stands as the heart of authentic preparation, lending a vibrant red warmth to every bite.

Layers of ingredients meld together, creating a dish that whispers tales of rural kitchens and grandmother’s wisdom.

Inviting aromas promise a culinary journey through hungary’s beloved national treasure.

We promise this recipe will transport you straight to central european culinary magic.

Why The Best Goulash Is a Hearty Meal

• Comfort Cuisine Champion: Classic goulash delivers hearty, soul-warming goodness that brings everyone around the table with its rich, robust flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single pot, saving precious time and reducing dish-washing efforts.
• Kid-Approved Deliciousness: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and mild spices, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that children will devour without hesitation.
• Weeknight Meal Savior: Straightforward cooking steps and minimal ingredient list make this goulash perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution that requires minimal culinary expertise.

Ingredients for Classic Goulash Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic comfort dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add depth and sweetness to the goulash.
• Garlic: A flavorful ingredient that provides a robust and savory undertone.

• Diced Tomatoes: A tangy component that creates a rich and slightly acidic sauce.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that enhances the overall meaty flavor of the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds texture.

• Paprika: A signature spice that gives goulash its distinctive warm and slightly smoky flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and aromatic notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare The Best Goulash Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drop ground beef into the pot and break it into tiny crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and releases its rich flavors. Drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Unleash Vegetable Magic

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers into the pot. Dance the ingredients around for 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their aromatic charm.

The kitchen will start to smell incredible.

Step 3: Create Liquid Harmony

Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth.

Stir everything together and let the mixture bubble gently. This is where the flavor party begins, allowing all ingredients to get to know each other.

Step 4: Spice Up the Party

• Elbow macaroni
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly, ensuring pasta is completely submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot and let the goulash dance slowly for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Wait until pasta becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid. Your comfort meal is ready to devour!

Tips to Make Hearty and Delicious Goulash

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Add a splash of red wine during sautéing vegetables for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese to elevate the presentation and add a final touch of freshness.

Variations on Goulash Recipe to Try

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add extra hot paprika, diced jalapeños, and a splash of red wine for an authentic, fiery kick. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid accordingly for a lighter meal.

What Goes Well with Hearty Goulash

• Craft Bold Wine Pairing: Reach for a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec, which complements the rich beef and spicy paprika notes perfectly.
• Elevate Beer Selection: Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that can stand up to the hearty goulash flavors without overwhelming the dish's delicate seasonings.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the goulash's richness and provide a fresh, light counterpoint to the warm, comforting meal.
• Design Bread Companion: Serve crusty garlic bread or warm sourdough to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and add an extra layer of satisfying texture to the dining experience.

How to Store Goulash for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen goulash maintains its best quality when stored properly.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is the origin of goulash?

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew that originated as a hearty meal for cattle herders on the plains, later becoming a beloved national dish throughout Central Europe.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne that hold sauce well and cook evenly.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This goulash is mild, flavorful, and has ingredients most children enjoy, making it a great family meal that’s easy to eat and satisfying.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach during the sautéing stage to boost the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor profile.

The Best Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort from traditional kitchens, blending rich beef, paprika-infused broth, and tender vegetables into a soul-warming meal. Passionate cooks can easily craft this classic European dish that delivers robust flavors and genuine culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, crumbling it into fine pieces. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to ensure a clean, rich base for the dish.
2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and vibrant bell peppers to the beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors, creating a robust foundation.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, creating a savory liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
4. Incorporate elbow macaroni, along with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let the goulash cook for 20-25 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta should become tender and absorb most of the liquid, creating a thick, hearty consistency.
6. Once the pasta reaches perfect tenderness and the liquid has reduced, remove from heat. Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes, which helps the flavors meld and the dish to set slightly before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the pasta type to match dietary needs, like gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess fat and create a leaner dish without compromising flavor.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika during cooking for deeper taste profile.
• Consider making this dish vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg