Easy Goulash

🥘 Introduction to Easy Goulash

There’s something timeless about a warm, hearty bowl of easy goulash. This classic American comfort food blends savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce—all made in a single pot. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something filling without the fuss.

Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is a paprika-spiced beef stew, American goulash is more of a casserole-style skillet meal. It has become a staple across kitchens in the U.S., praised for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving something nostalgic, easy goulash hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug—and with just a few pantry staples, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Ready to learn how to make your new go-to dish? Let’s dive in.

🍲 What Is Goulash?

Goulash is a beloved dish with roots in Central Europe, but depending on where you’re from, the term can mean very different things. The original version, Hungarian goulash, is a slow-cooked stew made with chunks of beef, onions, and lots of paprika. It’s traditionally served with dumplings or potatoes and is known for its bold, smoky flavor.

American goulash, on the other hand, is a completely different meal—often called American chop suey in parts of the U.S. This version features ground beef, macaroni pasta, tomato sauce, and sometimes cheddar cheese, all simmered together in one pot. It’s fast, filling, and incredibly adaptable.

The key difference? Hungarian goulash is a stew, while American goulash is a one-pot pasta dinner. Both are comforting, but American goulash wins the weeknight dinner battle with its quick cook time and family-friendly ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients for Classic Easy Goulash

One of the best things about easy goulash is how it uses everyday pantry staples to create a comforting, flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional American goulash:

Core Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 pounds ground beef (lean preferred)
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (15 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups dry macaroni pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Add-ins:

• Corn, peas, green beans, or baby spinach
• Ground turkey as a lighter alternative
• Sour cream for extra creaminess
• Crushed red pepper for heat

These ingredients come together to create a rich, savory one-pot meal that’s both affordable and deeply satisfying. Feel free to customize based on what you have in your pantry.

👨‍🍳 How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Making easy goulash is as simple as it is satisfying. With just one large pot and a few steps, you’ll have a hot, hearty meal on the table in no time.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Build the sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. Season it: Mix in seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
7. Add pasta: Stir in dry macaroni. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
8. Simmer: Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
9. Add cheese: Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve hot for the ultimate one-pot comfort food experience.

🔪 Pro tip: Use a heavy-bottom pot to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

💡 Goulash Tips & Hacks

• Stir regularly to keep pasta from sticking.
• Add broth slowly—too much can make it soupy.
• Cook pasta al dente; it will continue to soften after you turn off the heat.

🔄 Goulash Variations You’ll Love

This dish is super adaptable. Try these twists:

🔥 Spicy Goulash

• Add jalapeños or cayenne
• Top with pepper jack cheese

🧀 Creamy Goulash

• Stir in cream cheese or sour cream

🌱 Vegetarian Goulash

• Use mushrooms, lentils, or beans
• Add zucchini or spinach for texture

🍜 Goulash Soup

• Add extra broth for a soup-like consistency
• Serve in a bowl with crusty bread or even in garlic bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing twist

🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Tips

One of the best things about easy goulash is how well it stores and reheats—making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. You can prepare a large batch and enjoy it over several days without losing flavor or texture.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Store cooled goulash in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Keep shredded cheddar cheese separate and add it when reheating for a fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing Instructions:

• Let the goulash cool completely before freezing.
• Divide into freezer-safe bags or containers in single portions.
• Label with date and contents. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Add a splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauce’s consistency.

These tips ensure your one-pot goulash stays just as delicious the second (or third) time around.

🍽️ What to Serve With Easy Goulash

A dish this hearty pairs well with simple sides:

• Garlic toast, dinner rolls, or even stuffed cabbage rolls for a more classic Eastern European twist
• Fresh green salad or roasted veggies
• Cornbread muffins or simple steamed broccoli

For a full meal, serve goulash alongside other beef and tomato-based meals for variety on a potluck table.

🔄 Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot

Want options? Here’s how:

• Stovetop: Traditional method, best flavor control
• Slow Cooker: Add all but pasta/cheese and cook on LOW for 4–5 hrs. Add pasta in the last 30 mins.
• Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for beef, then pressure cook with pasta for 4 mins, quick release, stir in cheese

👧 Goulash for Picky Eaters

• Use mild cheese and remove strong spices
• Try fun pasta shapes to make it more kid-friendly
• Stir in cheese while cooking to make it extra gooey , Discover best cheeses to melt into pasta

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like easy goulash can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Since it simmers in sauce, macaroni can become mushy if left too long.
• Too much liquid: Adding excess broth can turn your goulash into soup—unless that’s what you want!
• Skipping the seasoning: Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt are key for depth.
• Not stirring regularly: This prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a flavorful, creamy, and perfectly cooked one-pot goulash every time.

🧑‍🍳 Meal Prepping with Goulash

Easy goulash is a meal prep superstar. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. To prep ahead, divide the cooked goulash into individual airtight containers. Label each with the date and contents for easy tracking.

For best results:

• Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
• Keep the cheddar cheese separate and sprinkle it on just before serving.
• Pair with roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Rotate with dishes like chicken and sweet potato rice bowls for variety

Whether for lunchboxes or freezer meals, goulash is a weeknight lifesaver.

🥗 Nutrition & Swaps

A serving of easy goulash typically contains around 380–420 calories, with 20–25g of protein, 30g of carbs, and 20g of fat, depending on the ingredients used.

To lighten it up:

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth and no-salt-added tomatoes to reduce salt intake.
• Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more fiber.

These simple adjustments make American goulash adaptable for low-fat, gluten-free, or low-sodium diets—without compromising on comfort or flavor.

FAQ Section❓

Q1: What’s the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?

A: Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich beef stew often served with potatoes or dumplings. American goulash, on the other hand, is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and macaroni, commonly finished with cheese.

Q2: Can I freeze cooked goulash?

A: Absolutely! Let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. For best results, freeze without cheese and add fresh when reheating. It stores well for up to 3 months.

Q3: What kind of pasta works best?

A: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for its size and ability to soak up flavor. You can also use rotini, penne, or shells as alternatives.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Yes! Ground turkey makes a great lean substitute without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just adjust the seasoning slightly.

Q5: How do I make it creamy?

A: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist.

Q6: What are fun ways to serve it?

A: Try garlic bread bowls or serve alongside stuffed cabbage rolls for variety.

🧾 Final Thoughts

From quick weeknight dinners to make-ahead freezer meals, easy goulash delivers everything you want: flavor, simplicity, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student craving something homemade, this dish brings comfort without complication.

Looking for more one-pot beef recipes? Try this hearty Mexican beef and rice soup next!