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Easy Classic Goulash Recipe

Easy Classic Goulash Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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