Goulash is a comforting stew made with beef, onions, and paprika. This easy goulash recipe is an American-style version featuring ground beef and macaroni cooked in a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot, family-friendly meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Are you looking for a comforting, hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? We understand. Planning family-friendly dinners can feel like a constant quest for easy, flavorful recipes. Many home cooks feel overwhelmed by complex instructions or lack confidence when trying a new dish. But what if we told you that a classic, deeply satisfying goulash is surprisingly simple to master?
At Recipesmondial, our mission is to make home cooking a joy, not a chore. That’s why we’ve crafted this ultimate easy goulash recipe. Forget the intimidating jargon; our step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a delicious beef goulash perfect for any weeknight. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate cook seeking new simple dinner recipes, you’ll learn to create flavorful meals with confidence and ease.
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a rich, savory masterpiece. This beginner-friendly guide ensures you can cook without stress, creating a Hungarian goulash that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Let’s dive in and discover why this is the perfect goulash recipe for busy families!
Why Is This The Perfect Goulash Recipe for Busy Families?
For busy families, a delicious, satisfying dinner without the kitchen chaos can feel like a dream. This goulash recipe makes it a reality. More than just a meal, it offers a solution to common dinner dilemmas and is designed with your busy schedule in mind for a truly stress-free cooking experience.
At Recipesmondial, we believe cooking should be enjoyable, not a chore. This easy goulash recipe helps you put a flavorful, comforting classic on the table while also saving you precious time. It transforms simple ingredients into a meal your family will request again and again.
Why Our Goulash Recipe Stands Out for Busy Families
This beef goulash is the perfect weeknight solution for your bustling household because it seamlessly combines ease, flavor, and practicality. It’s a marvel of approachable home cooking.
- Effortless Preparation: Forget complex instructions. This simple recipe features clear, step-by-step guidance, so even beginner cooks can feel confident in the kitchen. There are no overwhelming technical terms.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: With a rich, savory taste that appeals to all ages, goulash is a true crowd-pleaser. Its comforting, hearty flavors make it a go-to meal the whole family will love.
- Time-Saving Solution: Designed for your busy schedule, this meal comes together quickly. By minimizing active cooking time, it allows you to enjoy more precious moments with your family.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: This goulash uses everyday pantry staples, which helps keep grocery costs down. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious cooking because eating well shouldn’t break the bank.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is flexible, so you can easily make substitutions to suit your family’s tastes. It’s also perfect for meal prep—simply double the batch for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
- Confidence Booster: Mastering this flavorful meal will build your kitchen skills and confidence. You’ll discover that cooking delicious, simple dishes without stress can be your new reality.
This goulash recipe is a testament to the Recipesmondial promise: to provide delicious, reliable, and approachable recipes. It’s designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence, so you can start enjoying your time in the kitchen again.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Easy Beef Goulash?
For the Goulash:
This comforting beef goulash recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a meal packed with flavor. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast: Cut into 1-inch cubes. This cut is perfect for slow simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large yellow onion: Chopped. It adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Essential for deep, savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a concentrated boost of tomato flavor.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, flavorful base of the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and creates a perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a layer of umami and depth.
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika: The signature spice for authentic goulash.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements beef beautifully.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses subtle, earthy notes as the goulash simmers.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle warmth.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: Or your favorite short pasta, cooked separately for serving.
- Optional: Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a bright garnish.
- Optional: Sour cream: Adds a dollop of creamy richness when serving.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Use these simple variations to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.
- Beef Alternatives:
- Ground Beef: Use 1 ½ pounds of ground beef instead of chuck roast for a quick meal. Brown it well and drain any excess fat.
- Pork Shoulder: Cubed pork shoulder also works wonderfully for a rich, tender stew.
- Vegetable Boost:
- Carrots and Celery: Add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced celery with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Bell Peppers: For added sweetness and color, add sliced bell peppers (any color) during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms are a great addition for an earthy flavor. They can also be used as a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta Choices:
- Different Short Pasta: Instead of egg noodles, any short pasta like macaroni, penne, or rotini will work well.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this a gluten-friendly dish.
- Spice it Up (or Down!):
- Smoked Paprika: For a deeper, smoky flavor, try using a mix of sweet and smoked paprika.
- A Touch of Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little kick.
- Broth Options:
- Vegetable Broth: If you’re out of beef broth, a good quality vegetable broth is an excellent substitute.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess:
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free topping, a swirl of full-fat coconut cream can replace sour cream, adding a subtle richness.
How to Make Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
This first step builds a deep, savory base for your goulash. First, you’ll brown the beef to create a rich crust, and then you’ll sauté aromatics like onion and garlic to add warmth and complexity. Don’t rush this process—it’s the key to a flavorful result.
- Prepare Your Pan: Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to become hot enough to shimmer, but not smoke.
- Brown the Beef: Add 1.5 pounds of cubed beef chuck, stew meat, or ground beef to the hot pan in a single layer. To avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the meat, work in batches if necessary. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is well-browned on all sides. A dark crust equals more flavor. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
Chef’s Tip: Properly browning meat triggers the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that creates hundreds of new flavor compounds. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for the richest-tasting goulash.
Step 2: Create the Savory Sauce
Next, you’ll create the rich, savory sauce that forms the heart of the goulash. By combining spices and liquids in the same pot, you’ll capture all the flavor from the beef and aromatics, turning it into a cohesive and comforting sauce.
- Toast the Spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Stir in 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with their juice, 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. For a deeper tomato flavor, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste as well.
- Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot. Stir gently to ensure the beef is fully coated in the sauce.
Substitution Idea: For a richer, slightly smoky flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. This offers a lovely twist for those who enjoy a bolder taste.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
This step requires patience, but the reward is worth it. A long, gentle simmer makes the beef incredibly tender while allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, cohesive sauce. This slow cooking process is what creates that classic, comforting goulash taste.
- Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle bubble.
- Reduce Heat and Cover: Immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, not a boil. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook Until Tender: Simmer the goulash for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The beef is ready when it is fork-tender and easily falls apart. This slow cooking time is essential for maximum tenderness.
Helpful Hint: If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, stir in a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches a rich, hearty consistency that can perfectly coat the pasta.
Step 4: Cook and Add the Pasta
In this final step, you’ll cook the pasta and combine it with the goulash. Cooking the pasta separately and adding it at the end is key to achieving the perfect texture. This method ensures the pasta is perfectly coated in sauce without becoming mushy.
- Cook the Pasta: During the last 20 minutes of the goulash’s simmer time, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni or another small pasta shape and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta well in a colander. Do not rinse it.
- Combine Goulash and Pasta: Stir the drained pasta directly into the pot with the finished goulash. Mix gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Ladle the goulash into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Meal Prep Tip: For the best leftovers, store the goulash sauce and cooked pasta in separate containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soft. Combine and reheat portions as needed for optimal texture.
Helpful Tips for Making the Best Goulash
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Perfect timing is essential when cooking goulash, especially for the pasta. A common pitfall is overcooking it, which can turn a hearty goulash into a mushy disappointment. To avoid this, aim for al dente pasta—tender with a slight bite.
Overcooked pasta doesn’t just lose its texture; it also absorbs too much of the rich, savory sauce, leaving the final dish dry and less flavorful. To get it right, follow the recipe’s guidance carefully. Adding the pasta at the precise moment ensures it finishes cooking in the sauce to perfection. The goal is for every forkful to be a perfect blend of tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Let the Flavors Meld
Like many stews, goulash tastes even better with time. The key is allowing the flavors to “meld,” or fully combine, which creates a deeper and more complex taste. As the goulash rests, the spices and ingredients continue to infuse the sauce, enriching the entire dish.
While it’s tempting to eat it immediately, letting your goulash rest after cooking is worth the wait. Even just 30 minutes off the heat can make a noticeable difference. For the best possible flavor, prepare it a day in advance. Gently reheating it the next day allows the flavors to intensify even further, turning a great meal into an amazing one. This simple step is the secret to elevating your goulash.
How to Store and Reheat Goulash
Since goulash often tastes even better the next day, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prep. To enjoy it again safely, proper storage and reheating are key. Here’s how to do it right.
- Refrigeration: Let the goulash cool at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days [source: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-chart], making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
- Freezing: For longer storage, goulash freezes beautifully. Once cooled, pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: Place the goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it simmers gently. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a single serving, place the goulash in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on medium power, stirring every minute or so until it is piping hot throughout. You can also add a little liquid to loosen the sauce.
Before serving, always ensure your leftovers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. With these storage tips, you can enjoy your flavorful goulash more than once.
What Should You Serve With Goulash?
Our easy goulash recipe is a hearty, all-in-one meal featuring tender beef and pasta in a rich tomato sauce. To make your dinner even more special, consider adding a simple side dish. The right pairing creates a balanced, flavorful experience for your family, and these easy suggestions are perfect for any busy weeknight.
Complementary Sides for Your Beef Goulash
The best sides for goulash either offer a fresh, crisp contrast to its richness or help you soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Here are a few fantastic, easy-to-prepare options:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A classic for a reason, warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the savory goulash sauce. Toasted garlic bread adds another layer of flavor, making this a simple and beloved addition to the meal.
- Simple Green Salad: For a quick and healthy option, a crisp green salad provides a refreshing balance to the goulash’s richness. Simply toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices with a light vinaigrette.
- Cucumber Salad: Offering a cool, tangy counterpoint, this refreshing salad is easy to prepare. Just toss thinly sliced cucumbers with vinegar, dill, and a pinch of sugar for a bright side that cuts through the hearty sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: For a simple, nutritious side, quickly steam some green beans or broccoli. They add vibrant color to your plate, and a drizzle of olive oil with a sprinkle of salt is all they need to be delicious.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots and parsnips with olive oil brings out their natural sweetness. This adds a more substantial, flavorful layer of texture to your meal.
Making Mealtime Easy and Enjoyable
Choosing the right side dish transforms a simple goulash into a complete and satisfying meal your family will love. At Recipesmondial, we believe cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Our goal is to help you gain confidence in the kitchen with approachable recipes and effortless meal-planning ideas so you can focus on sharing delicious food with your loved ones. Explore our platform for more quick meal solutions and beginner-friendly recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goulash
What is the difference between Hungarian goulash and American goulash?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference, you’re not alone! While both are comforting dishes, they come from distinct culinary traditions. As a result, they offer unique flavors and textures, making each one a great family-friendly meal.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Hungarian Goulash | American Goulash |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Hungary, a traditional stew or soup. | Developed in the United States, often called “American chop suey.” |
| Main Ingredients | Plenty of beef (or other meat), onions, and a generous amount of paprika. It often includes carrots, potatoes, and sometimes caraway seeds. | Ground beef, pasta (like elbow macaroni), canned tomatoes, onions, and often bell peppers. |
| Consistency | A hearty, rich, and thick stew or soup meant to be eaten with a spoon. | A saucy, casserole-like dish that is typically thicker than Hungarian goulash but not as stew-like. |
| Spice Profile | Deep, earthy, and aromatic from sweet Hungarian paprika, which provides a warm, rich flavor. | Savory and tomato-based, with milder seasonings like Italian seasoning or chili powder. |
| Serving | Often served on its own, with a slice of rustic bread, or with a dollop of sour cream. | Typically served as a one-pot meal, perfect for busy families looking for simple dinner recipes. |
Our easy goulash recipe leans toward the American style, making it an approachable home cooking dish. By simplifying dinner prep, it delivers a flavorful meal with minimal fuss, which is perfect for beginners.
Can I make this goulash recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is a fantastic tool for making this recipe, as it creates tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. It’s especially useful for busy families and for meal prep. Better yet, adapting our goulash recipe for your slow cooker is simple and transforms the cooking experience into an even more relaxed process.
Follow these easy steps:
- Brown the Beef: First, brown the beef in a skillet on the stovetop and drain any excess fat. This step is vital for developing a deep, rich flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Sauté Aromatics: Next, briefly sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet until they soften and release their aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed aromatics, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the beef will become wonderfully tender as all the flavors meld together.
- Add Pasta: About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little extra liquid. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
Using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to enjoy this hearty goulash. Because you can prepare it ahead, it helps reduce stress at mealtime and ensures a delicious, reliable result every time.
What is the best beef to use for beef goulash?
Choosing the right cut of beef is key to a delicious goulash. For this recipe, you’ll want a cut that becomes rich and tender after simmering, which is why meats designed for slow cooking are the best choice. These cuts offer the ideal flavor and texture for a hearty stew.
Here are our top recommendations for beef goulash:
- Chuck Roast: Often called a “chuck eye roast” or “blade roast,” this cut is a fantastic choice. Its marbling (intramuscular fat) breaks down during slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
- Stew Beef/Stew Meat: Most grocery stores sell pre-cut “stew beef,” which usually comes from the chuck or round. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for beginner-friendly recipes.
- Round Steak (Bottom Round, Top Round): While leaner than chuck, these cuts can also work well. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces and allow for a longer cooking time to ensure they become tender.
For the best results, we highly recommend chuck roast. Its marbling guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will elevate your goulash. Best of all, chuck roast is generally affordable, making it perfect for budget-friendly cooking without sacrificing taste.
What kind of pasta works best for goulash?
In American-style goulash, the right pasta can make all the difference. You’ll want a shape that can stand up to simmering in the sauce while being easy to eat. The best choices are pastas that absorb flavor and hold their shape, ensuring a comforting, balanced bite every time.
Here are the best pasta choices for goulash:
- Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice. Its small, curved shape is perfect for scooping up the savory sauce and ground beef.
- Ditalini: These tiny, tube-shaped pasta pieces are even smaller than elbow macaroni. They are excellent for blending seamlessly into the sauce.
- Small Shells (Conchigliette): The hollows in small shell pasta are perfect for catching bits of meat and sauce, adding delightful texture to each spoonful.
- Rotini or Spirals: These corkscrew shapes are also a great choice, as their nooks and crannies excel at holding the rich goulash sauce.
- Penne or Ziti (cut short): If you prefer a slightly larger bite, short-cut penne or ziti can work well. Just make sure the pieces are small enough to be easily managed in one spoonful.
Regardless of the shape you choose, be careful not to overcook the pasta. Add it directly to the simmering sauce near the end of the cooking time. This method ensures it cooks to a perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy, leading to a more satisfying and reliable result.
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