Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need Recipe

Introduction

This hearty goulash is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich tomato flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Step 4: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
7. Step 7: Add elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently.
8. Step 8: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with parsley. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, omit the crushed red pepper or reduce the amount used.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra vegetables.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Leftover goulash can be topped with a little extra cheese and baked for a delicious casserole twist.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, goulash tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Simply refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

This comforting and hearty goulash combines tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect as an easy one-pot meal, it’s simmered to meld the flavors beautifully and garnished with fresh parsley and optional cheddar cheese for a creamy finish.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent, softening the onions and building flavor.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain its aromatic quality.
3. Brown Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
4. Combine Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors begin to meld together.
6. Simmer to Develop Flavor: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the taste.
7. Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to avoid the noodles sticking to the bottom.
8. Finalize Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
9. Serve: Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered longer before adding the pasta.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or microwave.
• Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and richness.

Keywords: goulash, ground beef recipe, one-pot meal, easy dinner, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, hearty meal