Hearty & Homestyle Classic Goulash Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a hearty goulash recipe brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved Hungarian dish through careful technique and love.

Tender beef chunks slowly simmer in a rich, paprika-infused broth that fills your home with incredible aromas.

Authentic ingredients create deep, complex flavors that transport you straight to central Europe.

Robust spices and slow cooking transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Robust vegetables and tender meat meld together in a one-pot wonder that guarantees satisfaction.

This classic comfort food promises to become a favorite in your culinary rotation.

Why Easy Classic Goulash Is a Family Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This goulash recipe transforms a complex dish into a straightforward, one-pan meal that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor.
• Quick Family Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese, this dish satisfies hungry family members of all ages with its classic, crowd-pleasing ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Using just a single skillet reduces kitchen mess and saves precious time on dishwashing, making it perfect for busy households seeking convenient meal solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences without compromising the dish's core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Easy Classic Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the goulash.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic qualities to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Create a savory, slightly tangy sauce that helps cook the pasta and bind the ingredients together.

• Elbow Macaroni, Cheddar Cheese: Provide a comforting, classic combination that makes the goulash creamy and satisfying.

• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the goulash with warmth and seasoning.

How to Make Easy Classic Goulash

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, crumble and cook ground beef until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining. Break the meat into small, uniform pieces while cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the spices to mingle and develop a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Introduce elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the pasta cook until it reaches a tender, perfect texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, irresistible coating that transforms the dish into a comfort food masterpiece. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for a Flavorful Easy Classic Goulash

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Enhance flavor by using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for deeper, richer taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain pasta texture.

Variations to Try With Easy Classic Goulash

• Spicy Jalapeño Goulash: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that intensifies the flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Goulash: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Lentil Goulash: Replace ground beef with protein-packed lentils and add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Smoky Chorizo Goulash: Swap ground beef for spicy chorizo sausage and include smoked paprika to create a rich, robust variation with deep southwestern notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Easy Classic Goulash

• Savor Hearty Red Wines: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel perfectly complement the rich, meaty flavors of goulash, cutting through the dish's robust profile with their intense tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or Hungarian-style bread alongside the goulash to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
• Chill with Crisp Pilsner: A cold, light Czech or German pilsner beer provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty goulash, cleansing the palate with its crisp, hoppy finish and effervescent character.

Storage Tips for Easy Classic Goulash

• Transfer leftover goulash to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Pack cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour goulash into a skillet, add a splash of beef broth or water.

FAQs About Easy Classic Goulash

• What is the origin of goulash?

Goulash originated in Hungary as a hearty beef soup or stew traditionally made by cattle herders and shepherds.

• Is this recipe authentic Hungarian goulash?

This is an Americanized version called “American goulash” which differs from the traditional Hungarian recipe by including pasta and using ground beef instead of chunks of beef.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Elbow macaroni works best, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like shells or rotini to maintain the dish’s texture and cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

The cheesy pasta and ground beef make this naturally appealing to children. You can also reduce the paprika if your kids are sensitive to spice.

Easy Classic Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 23-29 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian comfort calls its classic goulash a hearty symphony of tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting noodles. Hungry souls will discover a traditional one-pot meal that delivers authentic flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles.
2. Incorporate chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Raise heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately introduce elbow macaroni to the skillet.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the pasta to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente texture, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and fold gently until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy consistency.
7. Remove from heat and let the goulash rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving hot.

Notes

• Perfectly brown ground beef by ensuring high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan for a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains hearty protein content.
• Control pasta’s doneness by checking texture periodically, preventing mushy or undercooked macaroni which can impact overall dish quality.

• Prep Time: 8-12 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 428 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg