Easy Goulash Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
217 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Easy Goulash Recipe
Description
Easy Goulash Recipe brings together lean ground beef cooked with onion and garlic in a single pot. The addition of marinara sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth creates a rich, tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and bay leaf. Elbow macaroni is simmered directly in the sauce until tender, absorbing the flavors, while optional diced green bell pepper adds a bit of fresh texture and mild sweetness.
The dish is simmered first covered, then uncovered to thicken the sauce and finish cooking the pasta, resulting in a hearty, saucy meal. Melting shredded cheese on top adds creaminess and depth to the final plate.
This goulash works well served as a standalone meal but can accommodate additional vegetables or beans for variation and increased portion size. The recipe is designed for easy doubling and reheats well, making leftovers practical for several days stored in an airtight container.
Watch the liquid level while cooking, as different pasta shapes might absorb more or less broth; adding more broth or water as needed ensures the pasta cooks properly without drying out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 ounce jar
- 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can, canned
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked, about 8 ounces
- ½ cup cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, optional, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, 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 leaves, and 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.
Notes
- You can double the recipe easily to feed more people.
- Stretch the meal with extra pasta, vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or canned beans for added bulk.
- Use any ground meat as a substitute for beef according to preference.
- Start with the listed amount of broth and add more during cooking if necessary, as pasta absorbs liquid and the sauce thickens when resting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 217 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups | |
| Calories | 217 | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 562mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 812mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 587IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 23mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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