Ultimate Goulash Recipe: Easy Comfort in 1 Pot
Okay, so if you’re looking for that ultimate comfort food that just hits the spot every single time, you’ve landed in the right place! This Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is my absolute go-to when I need something hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Seriously, I’ve made this goulash more times than I can count, especially on those busy weeknights when the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. It’s got that perfect balance of savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and tender pasta all swimming in a rich, spiced sauce. What makes it really special for me is how it reminds me of my mom’s cooking – that kind of food that just wraps you up in a warm hug. I’ve tinkered with it over the years, and I’m telling you, this version is pure gold. It’s the kind of meal that just makes everyone happy, and that’s what good cooking is all about, right?
Gather Your Ingredients for this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic really begins for our Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni. You don’t need anything fancy, just good old pantry staples that come together to make something truly delicious. Trust me, having these ready to go makes the whole cooking process a breeze.
Essential Components for Your Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
First up, we need 1 pound of ground beef. I usually go for about 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; it gives a little extra flavor without being too greasy. Then, grab 1 large onion and give it a good chop – I like mine pretty finely chopped so it melts into the sauce. Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic; mince ’em up nice and small. For the tomato base, we’re using a big ol’ 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes. The crushed tomatoes give us that smooth sauce base, and the diced ones add little bursts of tomato goodness. We’ll also need about 4 cups of beef broth to get the right consistency – make sure it’s good quality! And for that signature goulash flavor, you absolutely need 2 tablespoons of paprika; I prefer a sweet Hungarian paprika if you can find it, but any kind works. Finally, get 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. And of course, the star pasta: 1/2 pound of elbow macaroni. Classic choice, right?
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Now, if you want to take this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni up a notch, I’ve got a couple of ideas! For a little kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper is fantastic. And for serving? Oh, you *have* to consider 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It melts right in and adds this wonderful creamy, cheesy finish that just makes everything better. It’s totally optional, but I rarely skip it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Goulash with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. My kitchen usually smells amazing during this part!
Preparing the Base of Your Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven – the bigger, the better, trust me. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add your pound of ground beef and just let it do its thing, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned. Once it’s all cooked through, carefully drain off any extra fat; nobody wants a greasy goulash! Now, toss in that chopped onion. Cook it down for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and soft and smells amazing. Then, add your minced garlic. Be careful here – garlic can burn fast! Just cook it for about 1 minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. That’s your flavor base right there!
Building the Flavorful Sauce
Okay, time to make this goulash saucy! Pour in your crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir. Now, pour in that beef broth – this is what’s going to make it nice and soupy. Add your paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up until it’s beautifully combined. Bring this whole glorious mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer for a good 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors really start to meld together and get delicious. For more information on the benefits of paprika, you can check out Healthline’s article on paprika.
Cooking the Macaroni to Perfection
Now for the best part – the macaroni! Take the lid off your simmering pot and stir in that half-pound of elbow macaroni. Make sure it’s all submerged in that yummy sauce. Pop the lid back on and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to stir it every few minutes to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’re looking for the macaroni to be perfectly tender, not mushy, but definitely cooked through. It’ll soak up all that delicious flavor as it cooks! If you’re looking for other pasta recipes, we have plenty!
Finishing Touches for Your Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Almost there! If you’re going for that cheesy goodness (and I highly recommend it!), now’s the time. Sprinkle in that shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it gently until it’s all melted and gooey. It adds this fantastic creamy texture that just takes the whole dish over the top. Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if you think it needs it. And that’s it! Your amazing Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is ready to serve. Ladle it up hot and dig in!
Tips for a Perfect Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Making this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely spectacular! First off, don’t rush the browning of the beef. Getting a good sear on it adds so much depth of flavor to the whole dish. Also, when you add the pasta, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. Macaroni can sometimes stick if it sits too long, and we want every noodle perfectly cooked and coated in that yummy sauce! If your goulash seems a bit too thick after the pasta’s cooked, don’t be afraid to add a splash more beef broth or even some water to loosen it up. For an extra flavor boost, especially if you’re using a milder paprika, consider adding a little pinch of smoked paprika along with the regular stuff – it gives it a lovely depth. And remember, the flavors really meld and get even better the next day, so don’t be shy about making a big batch! You can find more tips on cooking pasta at Allrecipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Got questions about my favorite Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni? I’ve got answers! This dish is super forgiving and flexible, which is part of why I love it so much. Let’s dive into some common things people ask.
Can I make this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of those meals that actually tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten a little thick.
What other pasta shapes work well in this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but feel free to get creative! Little shells, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even small penne would work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re a smaller shape so they cook through evenly and are easy to scoop up with the beef and sauce. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
How can I adjust the spice level of this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni?
It’s super easy to control the heat! For a milder version, just stick to the recipe as is. If you like it a bit spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the paprika. You could also add a dash of hot sauce at the end, or serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top. For extra depth without much heat, a little smoked paprika is fantastic!
Serving and Storing Your Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
This Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is a complete meal in itself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it even better! It’s so hearty and satisfying.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Honestly, this goulash is fantastic all on its own, especially with that optional cheesy topping! But if you want to go the extra mile, a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt is heavenly swirled on top – it adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness. A simple side of crusty bread for dipping is always a winner, or a light green salad can offer a nice fresh contrast. For more salad ideas, check out our collection.
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
This is where this recipe really shines – it’s a leftover dream! Once it’s cooled down, just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat is best, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, just add a splash more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also microwave it, but give it a good stir halfway through.
Nutritional Estimate for Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is an estimate, because, you know, cooking is an art and ingredients can vary! But generally, one serving packs around 450 calories, about 25g of protein, and 40g of carbs. It’s got roughly 20g of fat, with about 8g being saturated. This is a good, hearty meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy!
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Ultimate Goulash Recipe: Easy Comfort in 1 Pot
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful goulash made with ground beef and macaroni, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Add the beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier goulash, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute other pasta shapes for the elbow macaroni.
- Add frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Goulash, Ground Beef, Macaroni, Pasta, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe
