When you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and just like Mom used to make, you can’t go wrong with this Goulash Recipe. It’s loaded with tender ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or when your soul just needs a hug.
Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe
Whether you’re searching for a homemade goulash recipe that tastes like home or craving a cheesy beef goulash recipe to satisfy a serious comfort food urge, this one’s got you covered. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easily customizable think of it as a warm, hearty hug in a bowl.
This old fashion goulash recipe brings all the nostalgia of Mom’s goulash recipe, but with a few modern tweaks to make it even easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef: The hearty, flavorful base.
- Minced garlic: Brings a savory depth.
- Water: Helps create the perfect sauce.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Classic goulash must-haves.
- Bay leaves: For a subtle, herby flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami goodness.
- Seasoned salt and Italian seasoning: For bold flavor.
- Elbow macaroni: The ultimate comfort pasta.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey goodness right at the end.
How to Make Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, soy sauce, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning to the beef. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Remove the pot from heat, discard the bay leaves, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Estimated Nutrition and Prep Time
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly based on brand and ingredient variations.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Tips for the Best Goulash
- Don’t skip the simmer: It helps all those delicious flavors come together.
- Use quality beef: An 80/20 blend keeps it juicy without being too greasy.
- Customize your seasonings: Add a little crushed red pepper if you like a kick!
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir in extra cheese or sprinkle some on top before serving.
How to Serve Goulash
Goulash is best served hot, right off the stove. Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies to round out your meal.
For a cozy twist, serve it in bowls with an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese and a dash of fresh parsley on top.
Preparing Ahead and Storing
This goulash recipe easy meal-prep champion! You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Pro tip: If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when reheating.
A Little Storytime
Growing up, my mom’s goulash recipe was the ultimate “everybody’s happy” dinner. It was the one meal where no one complained, everyone got seconds, and the house smelled absolutely amazing. Now, every time I make it, it’s like a little trip back to those simple, joyful days.
FAQs About Goulash Recipes
Can I make this goulash in the Instant Pot?
Yes! For an instapot goulash recipe, brown the beef on Sauté mode, add the ingredients (except cheese), and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Stir in the cheese after releasing pressure.
Can I make goulash in the crockpot?
Absolutely. For goulash in crockpot recipe, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese before serving.
What’s the difference between Hungarian goulash and American goulash?
Hungarian goulash recipes typically use beef chunks, paprika, and are more like a stew. This American version is tomato-based with ground beef and pasta.
Can I add veggies?
Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini all work well.
Is this goulash recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just follow the tips in the “Preparing Ahead” section!
Can I use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce?
You can! Many goulash recipes with tomato soup turn out extra creamy and comforting.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small pasta like shells or rotini will work.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy diced tomatoes.
Conclusion
If you’re craving comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of happy faces around your dinner table, this Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you try the old fashion goulash recipe or mix things up with goulash recipes easy ground beef in your Instant Pot or crockpot, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 cups water
- 2 cans tomato sauce 15-ounce cans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes 15-ounce cans
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, soy sauce, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the elbow macaroni, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot and enjoy!