Goulash Recipe
Goulash recipe is a delightful journey into comfort food that warms the soul! Imagine tender beef simmered to perfection, enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce, and kissed with aromatic spices. This hearty dish is brimming with colorful bell peppers and earthy mushrooms, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Serve it over a bed of fluffy noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a meal that’s not just filling but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this goulash will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For sautéing and cooking the goulash.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb pound Ground beef A hearty base for your goulash, providing rich flavor.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
- 2 cloves cloves Garlic Enhances the overall taste; fresh is best, but minced works too.
- 1 medium Bell pepper Brings color and crunch; any variety will do!
Tomatoes and Broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes Adds moisture and acidity; canned works perfectly.
- 2 cups cups Beef broth For a savory depth; use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
Pasta
- 1.5 cups cups Elbow macaroni The classic pasta choice that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Spices
- 1 tsp teaspoon Paprika Gives a smoky flavor; smoked paprika can add an extra kick.
- 1 tsp teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that complements the dish perfectly.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing; adds a nice richness.
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
- Gather your ingredients: ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and spices.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Mix in Tomatoes and Broth
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Bring to a Simmer
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes.
Add the Macaroni
- Stir in the elbow macaroni. Make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Final Touches
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your cozy goulash!
Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe
- It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any night.
- Customizable to your taste—add veggies or spices you love!
- One-pot wonder means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Leftovers taste even better, making it a meal prep favorite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Hungarian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free Option |
| Serves: | 4-6 people |
| Best Served: | With crusty bread |
Ingredients for Goulash Recipe
- Ground beef – a hearty base for your goulash, providing rich flavor.
- Onion – adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
- Garlic – enhances the overall taste; fresh is best, but minced works too.
- Bell pepper – brings color and crunch; any variety will do!
- Diced tomatoes – adds moisture and acidity; canned works perfectly.
- Beef broth – for a savory depth; use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- Elbow macaroni – the classic pasta choice that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Paprika – gives a smoky flavor; smoked paprika can add an extra kick.
- Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that complements the dish perfectly.
- Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
- Olive oil – for sautéing; adds a nice richness.

How to Make the Goulash Recipe
Gather your ingredients: ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and spices.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes and Broth
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Bring to a Simmer
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Macaroni
Stir in the elbow macaroni. Make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your cozy goulash!

Pro Tips for Making the Goulash Recipe
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist.
- Substitute red wine with beef broth for depth of flavor.
- Let it simmer longer for richer taste; patience pays off!
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a hint of brightness.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up every delicious bite.
How to Serve Goulash Recipe
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your goulash:
- Serve it hot in a cozy bowl, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Pair it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- For a twist, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Try serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- For a fun twist, use it as a filling for baked potatoes.
- Complement with a side of roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Top with shredded cheese for an extra cheesy delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
•Allow goulash to cool completely before storing.
•Transfer to an airtight container.
•Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
•Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
•Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
•Portion out servings for easy thawing.
•Leave some space in the container for expansion.
•Label with the date and type of dish.
Reheating
•Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
•Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
•Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
•Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
What can I use instead of beef in my goulash recipe?
If you’re looking for a meat alternative, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in goulash. They provide a lighter flavor while still delivering that comforting essence. You can also try using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option!
How can I make my goulash spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your goulash. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also include diced jalapeños for a fresh kick!
What should I serve with goulash?
Goulash pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over egg noodles or rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch!
