Goulash Recipe - Spend With Pennies

This easy goulash recipe comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. Ground beef and elbow macaroni are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a cozy one-pot dish the whole family will love.

Flavor: Rich and savory flavors that make it a nostalgic family favorite.
Skill Level: This recipe is perfect for first-time cooks looking for a no-fuss comfort food meal.
Swaps: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef, or try different pasta shapes.

ingredients for goulash on a table including broth, tomato sauce, bell pepper, seasonings, garlic, onion, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, pasta, and ground beef

Easy Ingredients

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef; it’s okay if you use a little more or less than what is called for. It can be replaced with Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey.
Pasta: Unlike Hungarian goulash, made with potatoes and carrots, American goulash is made with pasta. Use any small pasta; my preference is elbow macaroni. Try small shells, bowties, or ditalini.
Tomato Sauce: Use jarred tomato sauce (or homemade marinara sauce). I like to add canned diced tomatoes for texture and to stretch the meal further.
Seasoning: Onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf flavor the sauce. Use minced garlic from the jar and dehydrated or frozen diced onions to save time.

Diced celery or red bell pepper can be added to the meat sauce.
Stir in some Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes for more flavor.
Stretch the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained beans.
Stir in some Parmesan cheese, or top it with cheddar cheese or sour cream for serving.

Second Day Goulash

Fridge: Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezer: Freeze chilled portions in zippered bags for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

dish of Grandma's Goulash with a pot full in the back

More Comforting Classics

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pot full of American Goulash with a spoon

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Grandma’s Goulash Recipe

This goulash recipe is a simple one-pot meal with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food on a budget!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

In a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.

Use 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, approx 1½ cups.
This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd (serving sizes can be adjusted in the print screen).
For heartier appetites, the meal can be stretched with additional pasta (and water/broth), canned beans or chopped vegetables. (diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers). Any ground meat can be substituted for beef.
Start with the amount of broth/water as listed and add extra if needed (depending on pasta shape). The goulash will thicken as it cools and rests. Depending on the size and shape of your pan, you may need to add a little bit more liquid. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks, and add more liquid as needed. The mixture will thicken slightly as it cools.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

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