Easy Homemade Goulash Recipe – Classic American Beef and Macaroni

This Easy Homemade Goulash is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! Made with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, green bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this one-pot meal is hearty, delicious, and budget-friendly. It’s an old-fashioned family favorite that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
One-Pot Meal
Family Favorite
Budget-Friendly
Easy Dinner

Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Course: Main Course / Dinner
– Cuisine: American
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
– 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the beef.

Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Ingredients
Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Mix well so the ground beef and vegetables become coated in the rich tomato mixture.
Step 4: Season the Goulash
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and optional sugar.

Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Stir well and allow the flavors to combine for approximately 3 minutes.
Step 6: Cook the Macaroni
Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes.

Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Cook until the macaroni is tender but still slightly firm.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
If the goulash is too thick, add a little extra beef broth.

If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve warm in bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings without optional cheddar cheese.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 390 kcal
Protein 23 g
Total Carbohydrates 43 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Net Carbs 39 g
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sugar 8 g
Cholesterol 55 mg
Sodium 720 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the ingredients and brands used.
Nut Information & Allergies
Does this Easy Goulash contain nuts?

No. The traditional recipe does not require nuts.
– Peanuts: Not included.
– Almonds: Not included.
– Walnuts: Not included.
– Pecans: Not included.
– Cashews: Not included.
– Pistachios: Not included.
– Hazelnuts: Not included.
Allergen information:
– Contains wheat/gluten from regular elbow macaroni.
– May contain soy depending on Worcestershire sauce and broth brands.
– Optional cheddar contains dairy.
– Naturally nut-free when prepared with suitable ingredients and without cross-contamination.
No Nuts Added
Helpful Tips for the Best Goulash
1. Choose lean ground beef: 85–90% lean beef provides great flavor without excessive grease.
2. Don’t overcook the macaroni: Pasta continues absorbing liquid after cooking.
3. Use beef broth: It adds a deeper, savory flavor.
4. Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or corn work wonderfully.
5. Adjust the thickness: Add broth for a soupier goulash or simmer uncovered for a thicker consistency.
6. Make it cheesy: Stir in cheddar or mozzarella just before serving.
7. Let it rest: Allow the goulash to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: What is American goulash?

American goulash is a comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings. It is different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which is typically a paprika-rich meat stew.

Q2: Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Small shells, rotini, penne, or other short pasta shapes can work. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package.

Q3: Can I make goulash without green peppers?

Absolutely. You can leave them out or replace them with red bell peppers.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken makes a lighter alternative.

Q5: Why is my goulash too watery?

It may need additional simmering. Cook uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Q6: Why is my goulash too thick?

Macaroni absorbs liquid as it cooks and cools. Add a little warm beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the beef and tomato mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and cook the macaroni when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: How do I store leftover goulash?

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Q9: Can I freeze homemade goulash?

Yes. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. The macaroni may soften slightly after thawing.

Q10: How do I reheat leftover goulash?

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water. Stir occasionally until hot.

Q11: Can I make goulash in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then cook it with the vegetables and tomato ingredients on low for 4–6 hours. Add cooked macaroni near the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q12: Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Q13: What cheese goes best with goulash?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are all delicious choices.

Q14: Is goulash good for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats easily and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.
What to Serve with Homemade Goulash

4

– Garlic bread or toasted baguette.
– Fresh garden salad.
– Steamed green beans.
– Roasted broccoli.
– Homemade cornbread.
– Cucumber and tomato salad.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Goulash is everything a comforting family dinner should be: hearty, flavorful, filling, and incredibly simple to prepare. Tender macaroni, savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and green peppers come together in a delicious sauce that everyone will love.

It’s an affordable one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, and family gatherings. Make a big batch because everyone will want seconds!