You want a warm, comforting dinner that doesn’t require much work. Something that fills the house with the smell of a home-cooked meal and brings everyone to the table.
This easy ground beef goulash is exactly what you need.
Savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one pot for a meal that’s pure comfort. Topped with melted cheese and served with crusty bread, it’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dinner that makes everyone happy. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in about 30 minutes.
The best part? It all cooks in one pot. Less cleanup, more flavor, dinner on the table fast.
Let’s get cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
- One pot. Less cleanup, more flavor.
- 30-minute meal. Fast enough for any weeknight.
- Budget-friendly. Ground beef and pasta are affordable staples.
- Comfort food classic. Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Kid-approved. Mild, cheesy, and delicious.
Easy Ground Beef Goulash
This goulash is a classic one-pot dinner packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook the aromatics. Add the olive oil, onion, and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sauce. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pasta. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
What to look for: The pasta should be tender but not mushy. The sauce should be thick and rich. The cheese should be fully melted and creamy. The finished dish should be hearty and satisfying.
Quick Tip: Stir the pot occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. A tight-fitting lid helps trap the steam and cook the pasta evenly.
The Secret to the Best Goulash
The key to great goulash is the paprika. It gives the sauce that warm, slightly smoky flavor that makes this dish so comforting. And cooking the pasta right in the sauce – not separately – infuses every bite with flavor.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Goulash
Cook the pasta in the sauce. This infuses the pasta with flavor and creates a thicker, more cohesive dish.
Use elbow macaroni. It’s the classic choice and holds the sauce perfectly.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it at the 12-minute mark to prevent mushy pasta.
Stir occasionally. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Use a good quality paprika. It’s the star of the dish. Sweet or smoked paprika both work.
Add the cheese at the end. This keeps it creamy and prevents it from becoming greasy.
Make it a one-pot meal. Everything cooks in one pot – less cleanup.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping
- Add a side salad for a complete meal
- Top with extra shredded cheese
- Garnish with fresh parsley
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with roasted vegetables
Storage and Meal Prep
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy dinner later.
Recipe Variations
Make it spicy. Add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Make it cheesy. Add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
Add more vegetables. Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms with the onion.
Use ground turkey. Swap ground beef for turkey for a leaner version.
Make it with different pasta. Use shells, rotini, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
Make it creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream at the end.
Make it on the stovetop. This is a stovetop recipe – no crockpot needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in this ground beef goulash?
Each serving has approximately 30 g of protein. The exact amount depends on the lean percentage of your ground beef.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or penne all work well.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.
Why is my goulash watery?
The most common reason is adding too much liquid. Use 2 cups of broth and let it simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to thicken.
Can I make this in the crockpot?
Yes! Brown the beef and cook the aromatics first. Transfer to the crockpot with all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, add pasta and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, then add cheese.
What if I don’t have paprika?
You can use chili powder or smoked paprika as a substitute.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes! Stir in shredded cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy goulash.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while it cooks and make sure there’s enough liquid. A tight-fitting lid helps.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors. Kids love it.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
Conclusion
This easy ground beef goulash is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one pot and a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The savory beef, tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese make this a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Give this recipe a try. Your family will ask for it again and again.
