Name: Easy Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 lbs lean ground beef; 3 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cans (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes; 3 cups beef broth; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

This classic American goulash is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines savory ground beef with tender pasta in a rich, seasoned tomato sauce. It is an ideal dinner choice for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, family-friendly dish that comes together with minimal cleanup and reliable results.

List of ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 lbs lean ground beef
3 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

step-by-step instructions

Step: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Step: Add onion, bell pepper, and ground beef and cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Step: Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and macaroni. Stir well.
Step: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step: Remove bay leaves and stir in cheddar cheese just before serving.

Practical Cooking Pointers

Managing Pot Heat During Simmering

Because pasta tends to settle at the bottom of the pot, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, which prevents the pasta from scorching while the starch releases into the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in an extra splash of beef broth to reach your preferred consistency.

Achieving the Perfect Pasta Texture

Testing the macaroni at the 15-minute mark is a great way to ensure you hit that perfect al dente bite. Since the residual heat of the sauce continues to cook the pasta after the heat is turned off, pulling the pot off the stove when the noodles are just slightly firm is advisable. This prevents the pasta from turning mushy during the serving process.

Substitutions and Adjustments

Alternative Protein Options

If you prefer a different texture or have other ingredients on hand, ground turkey or a mix of ground turkey and beef works well in this recipe. Ensure the protein is cooked completely through before adding the tomato base. You can also incorporate cooked lentils if you wish to introduce a plant-based protein texture alongside the beef.

Adjusting the Vegetable Blend

While green bell peppers are standard, you can swap them for red or yellow peppers if you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor. If you want to increase the fiber content, adding finely diced carrots or celery during the initial browning phase works perfectly. These vegetables soften during the long simmer and integrate seamlessly into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Enhancing the Presentation

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a bright color contrast to the rich red tones of the goulash. Serving this dish in wide, shallow bowls allows the heat to dissipate slightly, making it more comfortable to eat immediately. If you have guests, placing a small bowl of extra shredded cheese on the table allows everyone to customize their portion.

Pairing for a Complete Meal

This dish is robust enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of warm crusty bread to soak up the leftover sauce. A simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette provides a nice acidic contrast to the savory, heavy nature of the goulash. Alternatively, steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add a crisp, light side that rounds out the plate.

Storage and Reheating

Proper Refrigeration Techniques

Allow the goulash to cool down to room temperature before portioning it into airtight containers. Refrigerated goulash will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. As the dish sits, the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so expect the mixture to thicken significantly overnight.

Effective Reheating Methods

When reheating, add a small splash of water or beef broth to the pot or individual bowl to restore the original sauce consistency. Heating on the stovetop over low heat is preferred, as it prevents the cheese from breaking or the noodles from becoming overcooked. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring after each increment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this dish for later?

Yes, this goulash freezes quite well. Transfer the cooled mixture to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will maintain its quality for up to two months, though it is best to reheat it slowly on the stove to ensure the pasta remains intact.

Why did my pasta turn out too soft?

Pasta often softens if it remains in the hot liquid for too long after the cooking process finishes. To keep the macaroni firm, try to serve the dish immediately after the cheese is stirred in. If you plan to eat leftovers, aim for an slightly firmer texture during the initial cooking step.

Can I omit the bell peppers?

You can certainly omit the bell peppers if you are not a fan of their flavor. They provide a specific aromatic profile, but the recipe will remain delicious with just the onions and garlic as the primary vegetable components. Feel free to substitute them with diced zucchini if you want a similar volume without the pepper flavor.

Is it necessary to use beef broth?

Using beef broth provides a deeper, savory foundation compared to using water. If you only have water, you can compensate for the flavor loss by adding a dash of extra salt or a bouillon base. However, for the most traditional and rich result, beef broth remains the best choice for the liquid component.

How can I make the goulash spicy?

If you prefer a kick of heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce-building phase. You could also stir in a few tablespoons of chopped jalapeños along with the bell peppers. Adjusting the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper can also customize the heat level to suit your specific preferences.