Easy Goulash Recipes for a Hearty Family Dinner

Introducing Easy Goulash Recipes

There’s a comforting warmth that comes with a steaming bowl of old-fashioned goulash. This classic American dish, often called “American chop suey” or “slumgullion” in some regions, is distinct from its Hungarian namesake. While Hungarian goulash is a rich soup or stew featuring slow-cooked meat and paprika, the American version is a hearty, one-pot pasta dish. It typically combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience. It’s a staple for many households, cherished for its straightforward preparation and the feeling of nostalgia it often brings. This particular easy goulash recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. For more cozy dinner ideas, explore our collection of dinners.

What is old-fashioned goulash?

Old-fashioned goulash, as it’s known in America, is a quintessential comfort food that brings together familiar ingredients into a delightful symphony of tastes and textures. It features browned ground meat, typically beef, mixed with onions, garlic, a rich tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. The sauce is often seasoned with common pantry spices like chili powder, oregano, and basil, giving it a depth of flavor that is both robust and inviting. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious liquid and becoming wonderfully tender. It’s a truly satisfying dish that has graced countless family tables for generations, providing warmth and sustenance, especially on cooler evenings. You can learn more about the broader concept of goulash on Wikipedia.

Why this is a simple meal?

This simple meal shines because of its one-pot nature and readily available ingredients. You don’t need exotic spices or complex cooking techniques. The process involves a few key steps: browning the meat, sautéing aromatics, adding liquids, and then letting the macaroni cook right in the pot. This minimizes cleanup and streamlines the cooking process, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. There’s no need to cook pasta separately or manage multiple pans. Everything comes together efficiently, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal with your loved ones. Its straightforward approach makes it a fantastic go-to for anyone seeking a quick, hearty, and fuss-free dinner solution.

Gathering Your Goulash Ingredients

Creating a delicious macaroni goulash starts with having the right ingredients on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of common pantry staples and fresh components that are easy to find at any grocery store. No special trips or hard-to-source items are needed, which adds to its appeal as a simple meal. Having everything prepared before you begin cooking, also known as “mise en place,” will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. This ensures a stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to focus on building those comforting flavors.

Basic items you will need

For this classic old-fashioned goulash, gather these essential items:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) is ideal for a savory base. You could also substitute with ground turkey for a lighter alternative, much like our ground turkey and peppers recipe.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that cooks perfectly in the sauce.
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatic powerhouses that build a foundational flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the rich, tangy base.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash adds umami and complexity.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
• Optional Cheese: Shredded cheddar for a creamy, gooey topping.
• Oil: A little olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing.

These ingredients combine to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying hearty meal that your whole family will love. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the signature taste and texture of this beloved dish.

Preparing the Ground Beef

The first crucial step in making a delectable ground beef goulash is properly preparing the meat. Browning the ground beef not only cooks it thoroughly but also develops rich, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. This process is about more than just changing the color of the meat; it’s about creating those delicious, caramelized notes that will infuse into the entire dish. A good brown on your beef sets the stage for a truly satisfying meal, locking in juices and adding depth that simply boiling or steaming wouldn’t achieve.

Browning and draining fat

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. You want to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink and has developed a nice, deep brown color. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and quantity. Once browned, it’s very important to drain off any excess fat. Ground beef can render a significant amount of grease, which, if left in the pot, can make your goulash oily and dilute the flavor of your sauce. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels, or carefully tilt the pot and spoon out the fat. Some people prefer to leave a small amount of fat for flavor, but removing the majority helps maintain a cleaner, richer taste profile. This step is key to ensuring your family dinner goulash isn’t greasy and the flavors can truly shine.

Sautéing Onion and Garlic

After the ground beef is perfectly browned and the excess fat has been removed, the next step involves adding the aromatic foundation for your old-fashioned goulash. Onions and garlic are the unsung heroes of many savory dishes, and in goulash, they play a vital role in building a complex and inviting flavor profile. Their pungent raw notes transform into sweet, mellow, and deeply aromatic essences when gently cooked, providing the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the beef and tomato. This step is where the true character of your hearty meal begins to develop, promising a truly comforting dish.

Building foundational flavors

Using the same pot (after draining the beef fat), add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking allows their natural sugars to caramelize slightly, releasing a sweet aroma. Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic. Garlic burns quickly, so only cook it for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. You don’t want it to brown; just to release its wonderful aroma. This combination of tender onions and fragrant garlic creates a deeply savory base that will permeate every spoonful of your macaroni goulash. It’s this careful layering of flavors that distinguishes a truly great goulash from a merely good one, making it a memorable family dinner experience.

Creating the Goulash Sauce Base

With your ground beef browned and aromatics sautéed, it’s time to construct the heart of your old-fashioned goulash: the sauce. This is where all the liquids, spices, and seasonings come together to form the rich, savory foundation that will define your dish. A well-developed sauce is key to transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying comfort food. The combination of various elements will create a balanced flavor profile, tangy from the tomatoes and savory from the broth, perfectly seasoned to complement the beef and pasta.

Combining liquids and spices

Return the browned ground beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine them with the beef and aromatics. Next, add the beef broth, which will provide the necessary liquid for cooking the macaroni and developing a deeper flavor. Now, it’s time for the spices: chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also be added at this stage to enhance the umami notes, adding another layer of complexity to your easy goulash recipe. This blend of ingredients sets the stage for a truly robust and inviting sauce.

Simmering for rich taste

Once all the liquids and spices are combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering period is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The tomatoes will mellow, the spices will bloom, and the overall taste will become more cohesive and rich. It’s similar to how a good creamy baked mac and cheese benefits from its ingredients melding together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This patient simmering is what transforms the individual components into a truly harmonious and flavorful family dinner sauce, ready for the pasta addition.

Adding Uncooked Macaroni

The addition of macaroni is what truly transforms this dish into an American macaroni goulash. Unlike many pasta dishes where the pasta is cooked separately, in goulash, the macaroni is added directly to the simmering sauce. This method is incredibly convenient and enhances the flavor of the pasta itself, as it absorbs all the savory goodness from the tomato and beef broth mixture. It’s a key reason why this is considered a simple meal and a one-pot wonder, streamlining both the cooking process and the cleanup, making it a perfect choice for any busy evening.

Cooking until pasta is tender

After the sauce has simmered and developed its rich flavors, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta isn’t adequately covered, you can add a little more beef broth or water, about a quarter to half a cup at a time, until the macaroni is just covered. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and continue to cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. It’s important to stir the goulash every few minutes to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the liquid and the sauce will thicken considerably. Taste a piece of macaroni to ensure it’s cooked through but still has a slight chew (al dente). Once the macaroni is tender, your ground beef goulash is almost ready to serve, embodying the heartiness of this classic pasta dish.

Optional Cheesy Topping

While a classic old-fashioned goulash is incredibly satisfying on its own, adding a cheesy topping can elevate it to new levels of comfort and deliciousness. This optional step introduces a creamy, gooey element that perfectly complements the savory beef and tangy tomato sauce. The melted cheese not only adds a wonderful richness but also creates an irresistible texture that makes each bite even more indulgent. It’s a simple addition that can turn a great meal into an extraordinary one, especially for those who love a bit of dairy goodness with their pasta dishes.

Melting cheddar for creaminess

Once your macaroni goulash is cooked and the pasta is tender, you can easily add a cheesy finish. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses like mozzarella or Colby Jack) over the top of the hot goulash in the pot. Then, cover the pot again for a few minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a wonderfully creamy, bubbling layer. The residual heat from the goulash will do all the work, softening and melting the cheese to perfection. This creates a delightful, gooey cap that adds an extra layer of flavor and luxurious texture. The melted cheese makes the goulash even more appealing as a family dinner, often inviting enthusiastic responses from everyone at the table. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty for the best experience.

Serving Your Family Dinner Goulash

After all your efforts in creating this flavorful old-fashioned goulash, the moment to serve and enjoy this comforting meal has arrived. A steaming bowl of goulash is a complete meal in itself, offering protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one pot. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a bustling family dinner, capable of satisfying even the heartiest appetites. The rich aroma filling your kitchen promises a fulfilling dining experience, making it a cherished tradition for many households. This dish provides warmth and satisfaction, ideal for any night of the week.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve your hearty meal goulash hot, straight from the pot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a touch of color and freshness, though it’s entirely optional. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash. Crusty bread or garlic bread is also an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any leftover sauce. For those who enjoy extra zing, a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can be added to individual servings. This quick goulash is versatile enough to stand alone but also welcomes simple additions to round out the meal.

Tips for Better Goulash Taste

While the basic easy goulash recipe is delightful on its own, there are many ways to customize your old-fashioned goulash to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Experimentation is encouraged in the kitchen, and goulash is a forgiving dish that adapts well to various flavor enhancements. These simple adjustments can transform the dish, making it a regular favorite tailored exactly to your family’s liking. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this hearty meal truly your own, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love.

Making it spicier or milder

Adjusting the spice level of your ground beef goulash is straightforward. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce base. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also provide an instant boost of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. You can also opt for a milder paprika instead of a hot variety. Taste as you go, and remember you can always add more spice, but it’s much harder to remove it! This flexibility ensures your dish is just right for everyone.

Adding extra vegetables

To boost the nutritional value and add more texture, incorporate additional vegetables into your macaroni goulash. Diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), shredded carrots, or even diced zucchini can be sautéed along with the onions and garlic. Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking, just enough to heat them through. Spinach or kale can also be wilted into the goulash right before serving. These additions not only enhance the flavor and color but also make this already hearty meal even more wholesome and satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak in extra goodness, such as you might do with our cheesy chicken and rice casserole.

Storing Leftover Goulash Safely

One of the many benefits of making a big pot of old-fashioned goulash is the potential for delicious leftovers. This comfort food often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Proper storage is crucial to ensure your leftovers remain safe and tasty for future meals. By following a few simple guidelines, you can extend the enjoyment of your ground beef goulash and make meal prep for subsequent days much easier, providing convenience and continued satisfaction.

How long it stays fresh

To safely store leftover goulash, first allow it to cool down to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer the goulash to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your goulash will typically stay fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the sauce, as the macaroni tends to absorb more liquid upon standing. For longer storage, goulash can also be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes your family dinner goulash an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.

Quick Easy Goulash Times

One of the primary attractions of this easy goulash recipe is its efficiency, making it an ideal candidate for a weeknight dinner. The entire process, from start to finish, is designed to be straightforward and relatively quick, ensuring you can have a satisfying and flavorful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Understanding the timing of each step can help you manage your cooking schedule effectively, proving that a hearty homemade meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavor.

How long until dinner is ready?

When you’re looking for a quick goulash, this recipe delivers. Here’s a typical breakdown of the timing:

• Prep Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes (chopping onion, mincing garlic, gathering ingredients).
• Browning Ground Beef: 5-7 minutes.
• Sautéing Aromatics: 5-7 minutes.
• Creating the Sauce Base: 5-10 minutes (combining ingredients).
• Simmering the Sauce: 15-20 minutes (for flavors to meld).
• Cooking Macaroni: 10-15 minutes (until tender).
• Optional Cheesy Topping: 2-3 minutes.

This means your total active cooking time is around 40-60 minutes, with the overall dinner being ready in approximately 50-75 minutes from when you start your prep. This makes it a fantastic choice for a delicious and substantial meal when time is of the essence, proving that a truly comforting and hearty meal can be prepared swiftly.

Enjoying a Hearty Family Goulash

There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from serving a warm, bubbling pot of old-fashioned goulash to your loved ones. This hearty meal transcends mere sustenance; it’s about gathering, sharing, and creating lasting memories around the dinner table. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, bringing a sense of warmth and contentment to any evening, especially when shared with family. The straightforward preparation of this simple meal means less stress in the kitchen and more quality time spent together, reinforcing why it remains a cherished staple in so many homes. The robust flavors and satisfying textures make it a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable weeknight dinner solution or a comforting dish to enjoy on a relaxed weekend, this easy goulash recipe delivers every time. Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and delicious outcome make it a winner for both cooks and eaters alike. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to enjoy a truly delightful ground beef goulash that will quickly become a favorite family tradition. There’s nothing quite like a homemade meal that brings smiles and full bellies, and this goulash certainly fits the bill, promising a deeply satisfying experience with every spoonful.