Key Ingredients + Substitutions

• butter – Olive oil works too.
• garlic – Adds a lovely nutty, peppery flavor throughout.
• yellow onion – We love yellow onion for its bold flavors compared to their white onion counterpart.
• ground beef – One of the main ingredients that makes this an American beef goulash vs. traditional Hungarian goulash which uses stew meat. Try to find 80% lean/ 20% fat ground beef for the best tasting goulash. You could use ground turkey, but the consistency will be a bit dryer.
• ground black pepper and kosher salt – Just a bit to heighten flavors.
• can of whole tomatoes – A simple way to get that whole tomato flavor into your dish.
• tomato paste – Adding richness and flavor.
• tomato sauce – Helps to thin out the ingredients while adding flavor.
• red kidney beans – A slightly firm texture paired with a slightly sweet taste.
• worcestershire sauce – A mixture of umami, sweet, and sour flavors.
• Italian seasoning – oregano, basil, and thyme just to name a few of the power house herbs in this yummy mix. Try out our homemade Italian seasoning recipe for the freshest flavors.
• bay leaf – When mixed into a liquid, this magically little leaf adds hints of mint, pine, and black pepper.
• elbow macaroni – A classic pasta to make you feel like a kid again. Feel free to use egg noodles if those are more readily available.
• toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onion

How To Make Goulash

We used a 5.5 qt Dutch Oven, but a large stock pot will work as well. Bring your pot to medium-high heat and add the butter or olive oil, ensuring that it coats the bottom of the pot. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring with a wooden spoon until they’re fragrant and softened. 

Then add in the ground beef, moving it around the pan until it’s cooked through. Drain the excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon or so in the pot. Add some salt and pepper and stir everything together to combine. 

Now it’s time for the tomato ingredients, beans, and seasonings. Dump in the whole tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, kidney beans, worcestershire, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.

Before you stir everything together, use a sharp knife to cut the whole tomatoes into quarters for easier serving. Now stir to combine everything together.

Cover the pot and let ingredients simmer for 10-30 minutes, allowing the flavors fully permeate. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions to reach an al dente texture.

Add some noodles to a bowl and top with this yummy and cozy goulash. Stir everything together and add your favorite toppings.

Let’s Talk Goulash Toppings

This is a classic comfort food dish, so naturally, more comfort food toppings will elevate it to the next level. Here are some of our favorite toppings.

• shredded cheese – A classic colby jack or cheddar will do the trick.
• sour cream – This hearty meal just begs for a light and fresh dollop.
• sliced green onion – Add a bit of sharp and peppery flavor.
• hot sauce or red pepper flakes – For those who like some heat.
• black olives – A simple, mild flavored olive, perfect for adding a hint of flavor and texture.

What To Serve With Goulash (Make it a Meal)

Since this is a pretty hearty dish, we like to pair it with some simple vegetable sides and/or salads to keep things fresh. But remember that regardless of its calorie count, garlic bread is the undeniable side dish for a cozy meal like this one.

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Easy Sautéed Zucchini Recipe
• Grilled Vegetables
• Fennel Salad

Recipe FAQs

• noodles: To make this a one-pot meal, simply add approximately 2 cups of beef broth to the mixture and then add the noodles. Cover and let simmer until noodles are cooked al dente.
• dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese and dairy-free sour cream for topping.
• gluten-free: Use a gluten-free noodle. If you chose this route, we highly recommend against the one-pot cooking method as they are even more likely to fall apart and get mushy.
• can you freeze goulash: Feel free to freeze the goulash mixture in a freezer safe container without the noodles. Make fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve the thawed and reheated goulash.
• storage: Store the noodles and meat mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Other Recipes You Might Like

• Comforting Irish Stew
• Healthy Hamburger Helper
• Chicken Pot Pie Skillet
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Easy Spaghetti Squash Bowls