Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for goulash, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne works great. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the shape and size of pasta you choose. Just cook until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.

How do I make this goulash less soupy or more soupy?

The consistency is easily adjustable. For a thicker goulash, use less broth initially (start with 3 cups) or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end. For a soupier version, add an extra cup of broth or reduce the amount of pasta to 12 ounces. Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, but I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta and keeping some extra broth on hand. Make the goulash up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and when reheating, add a splash of broth as needed to loosen the sauce since the pasta will have absorbed more liquid during storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop, and add the cheese just before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute, or use a combination of chopped mushrooms and extra beans for texture. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The Worcestershire sauce typically contains anchovies, so look for a vegetarian version or substitute with a splash of soy sauce mixed with a touch of vinegar and brown sugar.

Hearty Beef Goulash Recipe

Name: Hearty Beef Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef, or ground turkey; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, do not drain; 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce; 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, optional; 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups beef broth, or can use half water and half broth; 16 oz large elbow noodles, can use up to 24 oz pasta; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, optional garnish

This mouthwatering Beef Goulash brings comfort food to a whole new level! A savory blend of ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates an irresistible one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly dish combines classic flavors in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that delivers incredible taste without hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta absorbs all those delicious savory elements.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Incredibly Versatile: Easily customizable with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand – this recipe welcomes substitutions!
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love this dish! The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a guaranteed hit at the family dinner table.
Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The hearty protein base that gives this dish its satisfying richness. Use lean ground beef for less fat, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Yellow Onion: Provides essential aromatic flavor and sweetness when cooked down. It’s the perfect foundation for any good goulash.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that unmistakable punch of flavor that ties everything together.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture, acidity, and fresh tomato flavor. The liquid they come in contributes to the sauce, so don’t drain them!
Tomato Sauce: Creates the backbone of the rich, savory base that coats every bite perfectly.
Kidney Beans: Optional but highly recommended for adding protein, fiber, and a lovely textural contrast to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: This herb blend provides complexity without requiring a dozen different spice jars.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds depth and umami notes you can’t quite put your finger on.
Seasonings: Garlic salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors while ensuring nothing tastes bland.
Beef Broth: Adds richness and provides the liquid for cooking the pasta right in the same pot.
Elbow Noodles: The classic choice for goulash! They’re perfect for catching all that delicious sauce in their curves.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the dish, creating a creamy, savory element that brings everything together.
Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to balance the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Veggie-Packed Version

Transform this into a more nutritious powerhouse by adding diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or zucchini along with the onions. You can even stir in some fresh spinach just before serving for a boost of greens.

Spicy Goulash

Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño with the onions, incorporating a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or stirring in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

Italian Style

Swap the cheddar for mozzarella and parmesan, add some sliced olives, and stir in some fresh basil at the end for an Italian-inspired twist.

Mexican Fusion

Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add corn with the beans, and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve with avocado and a dollop of sour cream.

How to Make Beef Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If there’s excessive grease, drain it before moving on to ensure your goulash isn’t greasy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and soft. The fragrance will be absolutely amazing!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Add the kidney beans if using, then season with Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the elbow noodles directly to the pot and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente perfection. Stir periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Remember the pasta will continue absorbing liquid after cooking.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated throughout the dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Beef Properly: Take your time with this step! Properly browned meat creates a foundation of flavor that can’t be added later.
Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it has a slight bite remaining. It will continue cooking in the hot liquid and absorb more flavor.
Layer Your Seasonings: Add spices at different stages to build complex flavor some with the meat, some with the liquids.
Control the Consistency: If your goulash seems too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer.
Rest Before Serving: Let the goulash sit for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

How to Serve

This hearty beef goulash is truly a meal in itself, but there are several delicious ways to complete your dinner spread:

Simple Sides

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the goulash. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent vegetable accompaniments.

Bread Choices

Nothing beats mopping up that delicious sauce with some crusty garlic bread, warm dinner rolls, or buttery cornbread. The contrast of textures is absolutely perfect!

Serving Suggestions

For casual gatherings, set up a topping bar with extra cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled goulash to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making this dish even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

This goulash freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta will have absorbed liquid during storage. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for goulash, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne works great. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the shape and size of pasta you choose. Just cook until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.
How do I make this goulash less soupy or more soupy?

The consistency is easily adjustable. For a thicker goulash, use less broth initially (start with 3 cups) or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end. For a soupier version, add an extra cup of broth or reduce the amount of pasta to 12 ounces. Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, but I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta and keeping some extra broth on hand. Make the goulash up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and when reheating, add a splash of broth as needed to loosen the sauce since the pasta will have absorbed more liquid during storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop, and add the cheese just before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute, or use a combination of chopped mushrooms and extra beans for texture. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The Worcestershire sauce typically contains anchovies, so look for a vegetarian version or substitute with a splash of soy sauce mixed with a touch of vinegar and brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Goulash recipe perfectly balances comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. It’s become my go-to dish when I need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The way the pasta soaks up all those savory flavors while cooking directly in the sauce creates something truly special that store-bought versions just can’t match. Whether for a family dinner, potluck contribution, or meal prep staple, this goulash delivers every time. Give it a try—I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!