Goulash With Ground Beef Recipe

This Easy Goulash Recipe is one of those dinners I come back to again and again, especially when the day’s been long and my brain is done making decisions. It’s cozy, filling, and unapologetically simple in the best way.

I grew up eating versions of goulash that didn’t come from a recipe card, just memory and instinct. That’s part of the charm here, it’s forgiving, flexible, and always tastes like comfort no matter how you tweak it.

This is American-style goulash, not the Hungarian version with paprika-heavy broth. It’s the hearty, tomato-based, pasta-loaded kind that feeds a crowd and somehow tastes even better the next day.

If you’ve got ground beef, a box of macaroni, and a couple of pantry staples, you’re already most of the way there. And if you don’t, there’s plenty of room to improvise without stress.

I love this recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, and those moments when the fridge is half-empty but dinner still needs to happen. It’s reliable, warm, and honestly a little nostalgic.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Olive oil – Used to get everything started and prevent sticking while building flavor.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
• Green bell pepper – Brings a mild bitterness that balances the rich tomato sauce.
• Ground beef – The hearty base that makes this goulash filling and satisfying.
• Garlic – Adds a punch of aroma and savory warmth.
• Tomato sauce – Creates the smooth, rich backbone of the sauce.
• Petite diced tomatoes – Adds texture and a fresh tomato bite without overpowering.
• Beef broth – Loosens the sauce and deepens the overall flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – Gives subtle tang and umami that makes everything taste fuller.
• Seasoned salt – A simple way to layer in balanced seasoning.
• Italian seasoning – Brings herbal notes that tie the sauce together.
• Bay leaves – Adds background flavor as the goulash simmers.
• Macaroni noodles – Classic, comforting, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Cheddar cheese – Stirred in at the end for creaminess and richness.

How to make Easy Goulash Recipe?

Step 1 – Brown the beef and vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.

Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Drain off any excess fat, then return everything to the heat.

Step 2 – Add garlic and build flavor

Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step adds a lot of flavor without risking bitterness.

Once the garlic smells good, you’re ready to move on. Don’t walk away here, garlic likes attention.

Step 3 – Create the sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.

This is where the goulash really starts to come together, the sauce should look loose but rich.

Step 4 – Season and simmer

Add the seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves, then stir again. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer. This gives the flavors time to blend without rushing.

Step 5 – Cook the pasta right in the pot

Stir in the dry macaroni noodles and make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

This usually takes about 20 minutes, depending on your pasta and heat level. The sauce will thicken as the noodles cook.

Step 6 – Finish with cheese

Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and comforting.

Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then it’s ready to serve.

Why This Goulash Works So Well

This Easy Goulash Recipe succeeds because everything cooks in one pot, building layers of flavor without extra dishes. The pasta absorbs the sauce instead of competing with it.

It’s also incredibly forgiving, which makes it ideal for home cooks who don’t want stress attached to dinner. Small tweaks won’t ruin it, they usually make it better.

The balance of beef, tomato, and cheese hits that comfort-food sweet spot. It’s hearty without being heavy, rich without feeling overwhelming.

Make It Your Own

One of my favorite things about goulash is how flexible it is. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have and still end up with something delicious.

It’s the kind of recipe that invites personal touches. Over time, it starts to feel like yours.

Some nights I add extra vegetables, other nights I keep it classic. Both versions work, and neither feels like a compromise.

Tips

• Use a large pot to prevent splatter and give everything room to simmer evenly.
• Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to keep noodles from sticking.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it.
• Sharp cheddar adds more flavor than mild, but either works.
• Let the goulash rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles.

Simple Variations Worth Trying

If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works surprisingly well here. The sauce and seasonings do most of the heavy lifting.

You can also swap macaroni for other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking time.

For extra vegetables, stir in corn, peas, or diced carrots during the simmer. Baby spinach can be folded in right at the end.

Serving Ideas That Make It Feel Special

This goulash is satisfying on its own, but a simple side can make it feel like a full meal. A crisp green salad works especially well.

Garlic bread or a slice of buttered toast is great for scooping up extra sauce. No crumbs go to waste that way.

If you’re feeding a crowd, set out extra cheese and maybe a little hot sauce. Let everyone customize their bowl.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Goulash stores beautifully, which is another reason I love making a big pot. The flavors deepen as it sits.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.

If it thickens too much after chilling, just add a splash of broth while reheating. It comes right back to life.

A Comfort Food Classic for a Reason

This Easy Goulash Recipe has stuck around for generations because it works. It’s affordable, filling, and consistently good.

There’s something grounding about cooking a meal like this, stirring a pot and knowing dinner will take care of itself for a while.

Whether you grew up with goulash or you’re trying it for the first time, this version is a solid place to land. Simple food, done right.