Ground Beef Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out. With tender elbow macaroni swimming in a rich, seasoned tomato sauce and savory ground beef, it’s a perfect dish for family dinners or casual weeknights when you crave something filling yet easy to prepare.
This classic dish combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, creating a satisfying balance between the meaty richness and the tangy tomato base. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
- One-pot simplicity saves time and effort while ensuring deep, blended flavors.
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients accessible year-round.
- Customizable with optional cheese or vegetables for added richness.
- Hearty and filling, perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb / 450 g): Rich, lean beef provides the hearty protein base that flavors the entire dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a light fruity fat to brown the beef evenly and sauté aromatics.
- Small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and texture that complements the savory beef and sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2 cloves): Imparts pungent, aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds moisture and a savory base to cook pasta and enhance the sauce richness.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz / 425 g): Provides a smooth, concentrated tomato foundation for the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz / 410 g): Adds chunky texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- Elbow macaroni (1½ cups, uncooked): Small, curved pasta that cooks perfectly in the sauce and holds the flavors well.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers smoky warmth and vibrant color to deepen the sauce complexity.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that brings Mediterranean notes and balances acidity.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides mild heat and sharpness to season the dish properly.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Adds creamy richness and gooey texture to finish the dish, if desired.
Instructions
- Heat and Brown the Ground Beef
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Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Browning creates a deep, caramelized flavor that forms the base of the goulash. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness that can affect the sauce.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic
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Next, add diced onions to the browned beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. This step sweetens the onions and builds aromatic flavor layers. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings
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Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the beef mixture. This combination forms a rich, flavorful sauce that will simmer with the pasta. Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse warm, herby, and balanced flavors throughout the dish. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Stir in the Uncooked Pasta
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Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot, stirring well to submerge it in the sauce. Bringing the mixture to a boil activates the starch in the pasta, which will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low for gentle simmering to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
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Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking. The pasta will absorb the rich sauce and become tender while the flavors meld together, resulting in a cohesive, hearty dish.
- Add Cheese and Finish
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If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just after turning off the heat. The cheese melts into the hot goulash, creating a creamy texture and richer flavor. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving warm. This final step adds satisfaction and depth to every bite.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
- Ensure you stir occasionally during simmering to keep pasta from clumping or sticking to the pot.
- You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms in the sauté step for extra texture and nutrition.
Storage Tips
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ground beef goulash garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to scoop up extra sauce. For added creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top complements the dish beautifully.
- Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Cooking pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb maximum flavor but requires occasional stirring to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different textures and tastes.
FAQs
- Can I use different pasta shapes for this goulash?
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Yes, small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini work well since they cook evenly and hold the sauce nicely.
- Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?
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Browning the beef develops complex flavors and texture, which enhances the overall taste of the goulash significantly.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Absolutely, swap elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta to enjoy a gluten-free version.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
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Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the paprika during seasoning.
- Can I prepare this in advance?
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Yes, it can be cooked ahead and stored refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving, stirring to restore creaminess.
- Is the cheese mandatory?
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No, the cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy finish. You can omit it or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Can I add vegetables?
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Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to increase nutrition and flavor.
Ground Beef Goulash
Equipment
- 1 large pot for cooking beef and pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir well.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, and let sit a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta sticking.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use mozzarella cheese for stretchier texture.
