There’s something comforting about a hearty, warming meal, and the Easy Beef Goulash delivers just that. This dish combines tender beef, a flavorful sauce, and a mix of spices, all served over a bed of soft pasta. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home—a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The beauty of this goulash is that it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal.

The dish has roots in Hungarian cuisine, where goulash was originally a rich, stewed meat dish. Over the years, different cultures have put their spin on it, and this easy version is perfect for those who want the taste of goulash without all the time-consuming steps. The rich, savory beef combined with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices creates a balanced and delicious flavor profile. Add some cheese on top, and you’ve got yourself a perfect dish that’s both simple and full of flavor.

What’s also great about this recipe is its versatility. While the classic version uses ground beef, you can easily switch it up by using different types of meat or adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition. Whether you serve it for dinner, as a filling lunch, or even as a dish for meal prep, Easy Beef Goulash will quickly become a family favorite.

Why Easy Beef Goulash?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Simple: This recipe can be made in under 45 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The tender beef and savory sauce come together perfectly, creating a comforting meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks in just one pot.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the meat to suit your tastes.

What You Need for Easy Beef Goulash

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

How to Make Easy Beef Goulash

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
   
3. Add the Liquids and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
   
4. Add the Pasta: Once the mixture is simmering, add the pasta. Stir it in, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
   
5. Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
   
6. Serve and Enjoy: Stir the melted cheese into the goulash, then serve hot. Enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread.
   

Tips for the Perfect Beef Goulash

• Use Lean Ground Beef: To reduce the amount of fat, opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish. They’ll blend perfectly with the sauce.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, you can stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and replace it with cooked lentils, beans, or another plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variety: You can experiment with different types of cheese—Parmesan, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can add a unique flavor to the dish.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and tomato sauce to reduce the sodium content in this dish.
• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a higher fiber option, swap out regular pasta for whole wheat pasta or another whole grain variety.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value of the goulash by adding more vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, or kale. These can be easily incorporated into the cooking process.

Closing for Easy Beef Goulash

The Easy Beef Goulash is a family-friendly dish that combines savory beef with tender pasta in a flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or preparing it for a weekend family gathering. The best part is how easy it is to prepare—everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time spent enjoying your meal. As simple as this dish is, it’s packed with flavor that makes it feel like you’ve put in more effort than you actually did.

This recipe allows for plenty of room to get creative with ingredients and flavors. Whether you stick to the traditional method or make a few substitutions to suit your tastes, Easy Beef Goulash will quickly become a go-to comfort food. The combination of savory meat, tender pasta, and melty cheese is sure to become a favorite, making it the kind of dish that you’ll want to come back to time and time again. So, next time you need a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up, give this goulash a try—it’s sure to hit the spot and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Beef Goulash

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. You can also try using a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
   
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this goulash ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the refrigerator and heat it up when you’re ready to serve. Add the cheese just before serving.
   
3. Can I freeze Easy Beef Goulash?
   Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.
   
4. How can I make it spicier?
   To add a spicy kick, you can include red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a diced jalapeño pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
   
5. What if I don’t have beef broth?
   If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a different flavor. The dish will still turn out delicious.
   
6. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
   
7. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftover Easy Beef Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
   
8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, you can skip the meat and replace it with lentils, beans, or another plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version.
   
9. Can I make it without cheese?
   Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. The goulash will still be delicious without it.
   
10. What should I serve with Easy Beef Goulash?
    This goulash is filling enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
    

Easy Beef Goulash is the kind of meal you’ll want to make time and time again. With its rich, savory flavor and satisfying combination of beef and pasta, it’s a dish that will always leave everyone satisfied. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a comfort food that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients—you can tweak this recipe to make it your own. Enjoy!

Easy Beef Goulash

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Directions

• Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Add the Liquids and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
• Add the Pasta: Once the mixture is simmering, add the pasta. Stir it in, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Serve and Enjoy: Stir the melted cheese into the goulash, then serve hot. Enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread.