Beef Goulash
A hearty, one-pot American classic! Tender ground beef and elbow macaroni swim in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Sauce
- b.Return the pot to the heat and stir in the paprika and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- c.Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaf.
- d.Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Macaroni
- b.Add the dry elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce and stir to incorporate.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender (al dente). Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Find and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- d.If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- e.Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use 85/15 ground beef. It provides richness without being overly greasy.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to soften as it sits in the hot sauce.
- 3If the goulash becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 4For better melting, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
- 5This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Goulash
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the paprika for a kick of heat.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Sauté 1 chopped bell pepper and 1 diced carrot with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor.
Creamy GoulashCreamy Goulash
Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end (with the heat off) for a richer, creamier sauce.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and supporting overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Source of Lycopene
The cooked tomato products, like diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health.
Provides Energy
The elbow macaroni provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, giving you sustained energy.
Frequently asked questions
Beef Goulash is a hearty comfort food rich in protein. While delicious, it can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. To make it healthier, you can use leaner ground beef (93/7), choose low-sodium beef broth and tomato products, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.