Goulash Recipe

Alright, friend, are you ready for a dish that’s going to hit all the right notes? Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: Goulash. This is the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug and fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering smells. Picture this: hearty beef, tender pasta, and a rich, savory sauce that’s so satisfying it’ll have you coming back for more, spoonful after spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, prepping for a potluck, or just craving something that tastes like home, goulash is your go-to. Trust me, this one’s going to become a staple in your recipe book.

Why You’ll Love Goulash

This dish isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the memories you’ll create around the dinner table. Here’s why goulash is such a winner:

Versatile: Goulash is perfect for pretty much any occasion. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or make a big batch for a crowd. And let’s be real, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day—hello, leftovers!

Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. Goulash uses pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and simple spices. It’s perfect for when you want to make something hearty without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is as simple as it gets—no complex steps or tricky techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find it easy to follow and hard to mess up.

Customizable: Want to switch up the flavors? Go ahead! You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or spice it up with a little cayenne pepper. It’s your goulash—make it just the way you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish everyone will love. Kids, adults, picky eaters—goulash has that magic touch that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients in Goulash

Here’s the beauty of goulash: it’s made with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef: The base of your goulash, adding richness and that savory flavor that’s the heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a little less grease, or go for full-fat for extra flavor.

Onions: These add that classic aromatic base, giving the dish a savory foundation. As they cook, they get soft and sweet, melding beautifully with the beef.

Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in boosting the flavor. It infuses the sauce with that irresistible, comforting aroma.

Diced Tomatoes: These bring a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the beef and the savory spices. They also create the base of your sauce, which will coat the pasta so perfectly.

Tomato Sauce: For an extra layer of richness and depth. It adds that smooth texture that makes the goulash so hearty.

Beef Broth: This helps thin out the sauce while adding even more savory flavor. It’s the secret to making sure the goulash isn’t too thick or dry.

Elbow Macaroni: This is the pasta choice for goulash—it soaks up the sauce just right and makes every bite satisfying.

Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning—these bring warmth and depth to the sauce, tying everything together in a perfect blend.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These steps are easy to follow, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious goulash bubbling away on your stove.

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Stir it often to break it up into small pieces. Once it’s cooked through and nicely browned, drain any excess fat. This step is key to getting that rich, savory base.

Sauté the Veggies

Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them in the beef drippings for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will start to fill the kitchen, and trust me, it’s going to make you so hungry.

Add the Tomatoes and Sauce

Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine. The tomatoes will add a little tanginess to balance the richness of the beef, and the beef broth gives the sauce a silky smooth texture.

Season It Up

Add your seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your chance to make the sauce perfect for your taste buds.

Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce, and then cover the pot. Let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up a bit.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your goulash is ready, give it a final stir and serve it hot! Whether you top it with some grated cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream, it’s sure to be a hit.

How to Serve Goulash

Goulash is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance the rich flavors of goulash.

Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce. Garlic bread is always a winner!

Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies, like carrots, green beans, or zucchini, can complement the dish and add some extra nutrients.

Cheese: Top your goulash with a handful of shredded cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan all work wonders.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your goulash even better:

Prep Ahead: You can chop the onions and garlic the night before to save time. You can even brown the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Spice It Up: Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make It Veggie-Friendly: Feel free to toss in some extra vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage Tips: Leftovers are perfect for the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat or in the microwave.

Freezer-Friendly: Goulash freezes really well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or bowties.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, goulash tastes even better the next day! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Goulash freezes great. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Of course! Just be sure you have a large enough pot or Dutch oven to handle the extra ingredients. Cooking time may need a slight adjustment.

Q6: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A6: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients should work as is!

Q7: What side dishes go well with goulash?
A7: A side of garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables would pair perfectly with your goulash.

Q8: How can I make goulash healthier?
A8: To make it lighter, try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add in more veggies for extra nutrition.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the goulash?
A9: Yes! A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top right before serving adds a creamy, melty touch that’s to die for.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A large pot or Dutch oven works best to ensure everything cooks evenly and the pasta gets perfectly tender.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to comfort food, Goulash! It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. This recipe brings all the flavors together in one hearty dish, making it perfect for feeding the family, hosting a gathering, or just indulging in a bowl of warm goodness. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen. Enjoy, my friend—you’re going to love this!

Print