Name: Goulash Recipe Card
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz); 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni (or rotini/penne); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; Salt u0026 pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

There are nights when I come home completely drained, and all I want is a dish that makes me feel at ease. For me, that’s always been goulash. This goulash recipe is the kind of food that feels like an embrace—warm, filling, and so satisfying.

I grew up with a pot of goulash simmering on the stove, my mom calling us to the table while the whole house filled with the smell of tomatoes, onions, and paprika. One time, I remember sneaking a spoonful right from the pot and burning my tongue because I just couldn’t wait. It’s one of those dishes that brings back family memories instantly. ❤️

Now, years later, I’ve taken that comfort food and polished it up so it’s still nostalgic but also super easy to make. Whether you’ve been cooking for decades or you’re just starting out, you’ll find this goulash recipe approachable, delicious, and forgiving if you’re not exact with measurements.

So if you’re ready for a meal that comes together quickly, pleases everyone, and leaves you with almost no dishes to wash, let me walk you through this comforting classic.

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Why This Version of Goulash Works Every Time

I call this my “no excuses” American goulash recipe because it really does fit any kind of night.

Dinner in 30 minutes – no hours in the kitchen required.
One skillet magic – less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
Adaptable ingredients – beef, turkey, or even lentils if you want to go vegetarian.
Kid-approved comfort – picky eaters won’t complain.

What makes it shine is that balance of flavor. The tomato base is rich but not overwhelming, the pasta soaks in just enough broth, and the cheese ties it all together. It’s also a great dish to bring to friends or potlucks—there’s always someone who’ll ask for the goulash recipe.

Tip from me: make a little extra broth. Leftovers taste even better the next day, and the pasta tends to soak everything up overnight.

Gather Your Ingredients the Easy Way

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll want to grab. I usually write it down on a sticky note before heading to the store—it helps me not forget that one thing.

The Base Protein

1 lb ground beef (you can use ground turkey too)

Fresh Add-Ins

1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Tomato Goodness

1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 tbsp tomato paste

Liquid & Pasta

2 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni (rotini or penne work fine too)

Seasonings That Matter

1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

The Final Touch

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or swap with mozzarella if that’s what’s in the fridge)

👉 This goulash recipe makes 4–6 servings, takes about 10 minutes prep and 20 minutes cook time. A bowl averages around 388 calories. Perfect for a filling weeknight meal without feeling too heavy.

How I Actually Cook This Goulash Recipe

I’m a big believer that good cooking is about rhythm. Here’s how I do it every single time, with no stress.

1. Chop First, Always

Get the onion, bell pepper, and garlic ready before touching the stove. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Nothing worse than chopping garlic while meat is burning. 🧄

2. Start with Flavor

Heat a spoon of oil in your skillet. Toss in onion and bell pepper, cook until soft—about 5 minutes. Then add ground beef. Break it apart as it browns. If there’s extra fat, just drain it off.

3. Build the Base

Add garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Let it sizzle for one minute. Don’t rush this—this tiny step makes the sauce rich and layered.

4. Bring in the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Give it a stir and let it simmer gently. The smell at this stage… oh man, it’s heaven.

5. Pasta Goes In

Add the macaroni straight to the pot. Cover and cook about 10–12 minutes. Stir once in a while so it doesn’t stick. Taste-test early—better slightly undercooked than mushy.

6. The Cheesy Finish

Turn off the heat. Add shredded cheese and stir until it melts beautifully. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper.

7. Time to Eat

Serve goulash recipe hot, maybe with some fresh parsley if you want to look fancy. I sometimes keep a loaf of bread nearby because it’s great for soaking up that last bit of sauce.

What Not to Do (I Learned the Hard Way)

Even simple dishes have traps. Here’s where people go wrong:

Not browning the meat fully – pale meat means bland flavor. Let it caramelize.
Skipping the tomato paste step – it adds a deep, sweet note that makes everything better.
Overcooking pasta – soggy noodles ruin the texture. Check them a few minutes early.
Forgetting to taste – seasoning is personal. Salt and pepper matter more than people think.

Tip: I always keep a spoon handy and taste as I go. My grandmother used to say, “the best cooks have full stomachs before dinner is even served.” 😅

Switching Things Up: Substitutions You’ll Love

What I adore about this easy goulash recipe is how customizable it is.

Change the Protein

Turkey or chicken for leaner meat.

Play with Veggies

Spinach or kale for greens.
Corn for sweetness.
Mushrooms for earthiness.

Different Pasta Choices

Penne, rotini, shells—anything bite-sized.
Gluten-free pasta if needed.

Dairy Options

Plant-based cheese melts nicely too.
Or skip cheese for a lighter version.

This dish is a canvas for creativity—don’t feel boxed in. Some nights I even sneak in zucchini just to use what’s lying around.

Questions I Hear All the Time

Whenever I share this goulash recipe, people ask:

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Just let it cool, portion it into freezer containers, and reheat with a splash of broth.

Is goulash the same as chili?

Not really. Chili leans spicy and doesn’t usually have pasta. Goulash is milder, creamier, and noodle-filled.

How long will leftovers last?

In the fridge, about 4 days in a sealed container. It reheats beautifully.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Of course—just swap beef broth for veggie broth and load it with beans or mushrooms.

Will kids eat it?

Oh yes. The tomato-cheese combo wins every time.

Can I make it healthier?

Sure. Use whole wheat pasta, lean meat, and extra veggies. It’s an easy upgrade.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is safe, but mozzarella makes it stretchy, and Parmesan gives a salty kick.

How do I fix soupy goulash?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or whisk cornstarch with water and stir it in.

What can I serve with it?

Crusty bread, green salad, or roasted veggies. It’s flexible.

Does it taste better the next day?

Absolutely! The flavors mingle overnight. Sometimes I make it ahead just for that reason.

Why This Goulash Recipe Will Become Your Weeknight Hero

Every family has a go-to goulash recipe, and this is mine. It’s simple, fast, and loved by everyone. I make it when I’m short on time but still want something that feels homemade. There’s something comforting about a meal that hits all the right notes—warm, filling, and satisfying without being fussy.

Cooking should never feel like punishment. This goulash recipe lets you enjoy the process without stress. Chop, stir, simmer—it’s almost meditative, and the reward is immediate. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—most ingredients are pantry staples, and you don’t need to hunt down specialty items.

Pro tip: Double the batch, freeze half, and you’ve solved dinner for another night. Nothing feels better than opening the freezer and finding a ready-made meal waiting for you. Bonus: leftovers reheat beautifully, and the flavors often taste even richer the next day. It’s the perfect goulash recipe for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want comfort without hassle.

Wrapping It Up

So there you go—my favorite goulash recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and versatile. It adapts to your pantry, your taste, and even your leftovers. You can swap the meat, try different cheeses, or even add some extra veggies—you really can’t go wrong.

The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, skip the complicated stuff. Pull out a pot, grab these simple ingredients, and in 30 minutes you’ll have a goulash recipe that feels like home. The aroma alone will make everyone gather in the kitchen, and that first bite will remind you why simple meals can be so satisfying.

Because at the end of the day, food isn’t just fuel—it’s comfort, memory, and a little bit of joy in a bowl. 🥘 It’s the kind of meal that sparks conversation, brings a smile, and leaves a lasting feeling of contentment. So don’t stress about perfection—just cook, taste, and enjoy. Every stir, every simmer, every sprinkle of cheese is a small act of care that makes your dinner special.

Related Recipes to Complement Your Goulash Recipe

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Goulash Recipe Card

Recipe by StefanieCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time