The Best Goulash

Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that brings warmth to any occasion. This version of goulash features ground beef, tender vegetables, and elbow macaroni, all cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. With a combination of paprika, oregano, and other simple ingredients, this dish offers rich, robust flavors that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a filling meal to serve at a family gathering, The Best Goulash is sure to please.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy days when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The ground beef gives the dish a rich, savory base, while the spices add warmth and depth. The elbow macaroni soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying texture in every bite. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal that doesn’t require complicated ingredients or steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Meal

The Best Goulash is a one-pot recipe, making it easy to clean up after dinner. All the ingredients come together in a single pot, saving you time and effort.

2. Quick and Easy

With a total cook time of just 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Hearty and Satisfying

The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and elbow macaroni makes this dish incredibly hearty, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors and tender ingredients in this dish, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.

5. Customizable

The recipe is simple enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry. Feel free to swap in different vegetables or add your favorite seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Green bell pepper, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Elbow macaroni
• Beef broth

Variations

• Vegetarian Goulash: Skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a meatless version.
• Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some heat. You can also use spicy paprika to kick up the spice level.
• Cheesy Goulash: For a creamy, cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella toward the end of cooking. You can also sprinkle cheese on top just before serving.
• Different Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or shells for a slightly different texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Beef Broth

Add the elbow macaroni and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the macaroni is cooked and the sauce has absorbed, give the goulash a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the Meat Well: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned before adding the vegetables. This helps develop the rich flavor base of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni as it simmers, as overcooked pasta can become mushy. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preferences.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.

How to Serve

The Best Goulash is delicious on its own, but it can be served alongside a variety of sides for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. For extra richness, top each serving with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own or be served as part of a larger dinner spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to improve as it sits, so it’s perfect for leftovers.

Freezing

Goulash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of beef broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat goulash, heat it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor may be slightly lighter, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, goulash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

3. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti if desired.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

5. Can I add cheese to the goulash?

Yes, you can add cheese to the goulash. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan towards the end of cooking, or top each serving with cheese before serving.

6. How do I make goulash spicier?

To make goulash spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or use spicy paprika in place of regular paprika.

7. How long should I cook the macaroni?

Cook the macaroni for about 20 minutes or until it is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

8. Can I use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies?

Yes, using diced tomatoes with green chilies will add an extra layer of flavor and a little heat to the dish.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a bigger pot and adjust cooking times as needed.

10. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Conclusion

The Best Goulash is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and hearty macaroni in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this meal is sure to satisfy with its robust flavors and satisfying texture. Whether served on its own or with a side of garlic bread, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Plus, with its flexibility and simple ingredients, it’s a meal you’ll return to time and time again.

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