Easy Goulash Recipe for Comforting Family Meals

When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding the whole family, this Easy Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious, one-pot dish filled with pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, and savory seasonings. 

Goulash is a true comfort food that’s both filling and full of flavor. Plus, it’s quick and budget-friendly—just what you need for a weeknight dinner.

Let me walk you through how to make this simple and tasty goulash recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Goulash Recipe

• One-pot meal: Less cleanup and fewer dishes to wash—always a win!
• Quick and easy: You can make this in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy evening.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty dish.
• Customizable: Add in your favorite veggies, use different types of pasta, or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Comfort food at its best: This dish is warm, filling, and satisfying, making it perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients for Easy Goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, hearty goulash:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for some added texture and nutrition.

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How To Make Easy Goulash

Making goulash is super simple! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the beef.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes and seasonings.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Cook the pasta.
Add the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) to the pot. Stir it into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged. Let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Serve.
Once the pasta is cooked, give the goulash a final stir. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish. Serve hot, and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Perfect Goulash

1. Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta continues to cook in the sauce, be careful not to overdo it. Once the pasta is al dente, it’s done!
2. Add extra veggies: To make the dish even heartier and more nutritious, try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
3. Use lean meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content while still keeping the burger-like texture.
4. Make it creamy: For a creamy twist, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking.
5. Save for later: This recipe makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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How To Serve Easy Goulash

Goulash is filling on its own, but you can easily serve it with a few side dishes to complete the meal:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce and adding a little extra crunch.
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the goulash.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a savory touch.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving of goulash (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbs: ~45g
• Fat: ~15g

This recipe offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat, making it a filling and hearty meal. You can easily adjust the nutritional content by swapping in ground turkey or adding extra veggies.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the goulash in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if necessary. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: You can freeze goulash for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it in the microwave or stovetop when ready to eat.

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Conclusion

This Easy Goulash Recipe is perfect for those days when you need a hearty, comforting meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a simple, flavorful one-pot dish that everyone in the family will love.

I hope you enjoy making this recipe—it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my house! Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share any fun variations you try. Happy cooking!