Masters of kitchen
If there’s one dish that instantly brings back memories of bustling weeknights in my childhood kitchen, it’s goulash. I remember coming home from school to the savory aroma of simmering tomatoes, onions, and beef wafting through the house—my mom would have a big pot of goulash bubbling on the stove, ready to warm us from the inside out. We’d gather around the table, scooping generous spoonfuls into bowls and topping them with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect.
This easy goulash recipe captures that same heartwarming spirit but in a streamlined, no-fuss way that works for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s comforting, hearty, and surprisingly quick to whip up. With simple pantry staples like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
Whether you grew up calling it “American Chop Suey” or just “Mom’s Pasta,” this goulash is bound to bring a nostalgic smile to your face—and an empty plate by the end of the meal. Let’s dive into why it’s such a staple and how you can make it your own.
What is Goulash? Understanding the Roots
The word “goulash” may conjure images of hearty Hungarian stews—and rightly so. Traditional Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked beef stew seasoned generously with paprika and often includes potatoes or root vegetables. It’s robust, rich, and usually spooned up with crusty bread.
But here in the U.S., goulash took a delicious detour. American goulash—also called “slumgullion” in some parts—is an entirely different comfort dish. Instead of chunks of beef, it’s made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, a tomato-based sauce, and plenty of seasoning. Think of it as a hybrid between chili, spaghetti, and casserole.
This recipe is firmly rooted in the easy American-style goulash tradition. It’s quick, it’s affordable, and it doesn’t require hours on the stove. While it shares a name with its European cousin, this version is all about simplicity and satisfying family-sized portions.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Goulash Recipe
Here’s why this easy goulash recipe should be in your regular dinner rotation:
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One-pot meal – minimal cleanup!
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Budget-friendly – uses affordable pantry and freezer staples
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Kid-approved – the saucy pasta and beef combo is a hit every time
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Freezer-friendly – makes great leftovers or meal prep portions
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Quick and satisfying – from stovetop to table in under 40 minutes
It’s the kind of dish you can throw together without a special grocery run—and that’s why families have been relying on it for generations.
Ingredients for Easy Goulash Recipe
What makes this goulash so easy is its no-fuss ingredient list. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen:
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Ground beef – the base of flavor and protein
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Elbow macaroni – the classic pasta choice; holds sauce well
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Onion & garlic – adds depth and savory flavor
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Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes – the backbone of the rich, tangy sauce
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Beef broth – enhances flavor and helps cook the pasta
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Seasonings – salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and optional bay leaf
Want to mix it up? Try these easy add-ins:
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Bell peppers for a veggie boost
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Corn adds a touch of sweetness
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Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a creamy finish
Bold Substitution Tips:
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Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option
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Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed
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For extra fiber, try whole wheat macaroni
This recipe’s beauty is in its flexibility—feel free to adapt it to your family’s taste and pantry.
How to Make One Pot Goulash Step by Step
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Here’s how to bring this dish together from start to finish:
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Brown the beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed. -
Add aromatics:
Stir in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Layer in flavor:
Sprinkle in your seasonings—paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix well to coat the beef and aromatics. -
Add liquids:
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly. -
Simmer and add pasta:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. -
Taste and adjust:
Add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. For extra richness, stir in a handful of shredded cheese at the end.Advertisement -
Let it rest (Pro Tip!):
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This lets the flavors settle and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Avoid Soggy Pasta Tip:
Don’t overcook! Stop as soon as the macaroni is al dente. It will continue softening as it rests.
And just like that—you’ve got a big pot of warm, savory goulash that’s ready to serve up family-style.
Goulash Recipe Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about this easy goulash recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can make it your own with just a few tweaks:
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Cheesy Goulash
Stir in a generous handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving. It melts beautifully into the sauce and makes it ultra creamy and kid-approved. -
Spicy Goulash
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions for a fiery kick. A dash of hot sauce at the end doesn’t hurt either! -
Vegetable-Boosted Goulash
Toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the simmering stage. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies and add texture. -
Goulash with Beans
Swap out half the meat or add in a can of drained black beans or kidney beans for an affordable, protein-packed variation. This works especially well if you’re trying to stretch the meal further.
These spins make the dish new again, even for seasoned goulash lovers!
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well With Goulash
This one-pot comfort classic is satisfying on its own, but the right side dish can take it to the next level. Try pairing it with:
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Crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up all that saucy goodness
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A simple green salad to balance the richness
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Southern-style cornbread or mashed potatoes for a cozy, carb-loving twist
Family-style tip:
Serve your goulash straight from the pot at the table—it’s informal, fun, and keeps cleanup easy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheese on top adds a final flourish.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Goulash
Storage:
Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
To avoid mushy pasta when thawing, you can freeze the sauce separately from the noodles. But if everything’s already mixed, don’t worry—it still freezes fine for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container and label with the date.
Reheating:
Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each round for even heating.
This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld—so go ahead and make extra!
FAQs
What is the difference between goulash and spaghetti?
While both dishes include pasta and a tomato-based sauce, spaghetti is typically served with a meat sauce poured over long noodles like spaghetti or linguine. Goulash, on the other hand, is a one-pot meal where pasta is cooked in the sauce—resulting in a thicker, more stew-like consistency.
Can I make goulash in a crockpot or Instant Pot?
Yes!
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For the crockpot, brown the meat first, then combine everything (except pasta) and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
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In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook everything (including pasta) for about 4–5 minutes with quick release.
How do I thicken goulash if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes so the liquid reduces. If it’s still thin, stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.
What meat can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. You can also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Is goulash better the next day?
Absolutely. The sauce thickens and the flavors develop overnight, making it even more delicious on Day 2. Just reheat gently and enjoy!
More Comfort Food Dinners to Try
If this easy goulash recipe hit the spot, you’ll love these other cozy, satisfying dinner ideas that bring comfort with every bite:
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Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake – Hearty, cheesy, and slow-cooked to perfection
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Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce – A bold, creamy pasta dish with serious flavor
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Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Spicy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible
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Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – Classic comfort in a creamy, tender slow-cooked dish
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Beef Lombardi Recipe – A rich beef and pasta casserole topped with layers of cheesy goodness
These dishes are perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or any time you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Easy Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle or serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese chopped parsley, bell pepper, corn
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Optional: stir in shredded cheese and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper or jalapeños.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—store in the fridge or freeze in portions.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: A Bowl Full of Warm Memories
There’s something magical about a meal that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, affordable, and nostalgic. This easy goulash recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family, stocking up on leftovers, or revisiting a childhood classic, this dish always delivers.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own—add veggies, switch up the meat, or throw in a spicy twist. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be going back for seconds.
Tried it? Let us know! Drop a comment or photo—we’d love to hear from you.