This easy goulash has over 500 5-star reviews. I’m so proud that so many people around the world have made it and decided they loved it enough to let me know. I hope your family loves it as much as ours.
What’s in this Goulash Recipe?
I love that all you have to do to prepare this easy dinner is to throw all the ingredients in a pot and cook!
Ground Beef: Ground beef or hamburger meat is the best option for a quick, one-pot recipe like this. Onion: I recommend using yellow onion for the best flavor. If you like red onions, use them as a topping instead. Broth: Beef broth tastes best, but you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth if you need to. Diced Tomatoes: Grab a can of regular diced tomatoes for convenience. Marinara Sauce: Helps thicken up the sauce and enhances the tomato flavor. Brown Sugar: This is optional but adds just a touch of sweetness! Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of this dish. You could also use Worcestershire sauce. Seasonings: This recipe uses paprika (a must for any goulash recipe!), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Macaroni: Traditional elbow macaroni is my favorite, but you can use another short or tubular noodle. Penne works great too! Cheddar Cheese: This is optional, but I love to make our beef goulash cheesy by adding some on top at the end.
Pro Tip: Cook the goulash in a Dutch oven or heavy-based pot. This will distribute the heat more evenly and you are less likely to get hot spots that can burn the bottom.
Variations
When I want to add some vegetables to this dish, I mix in carrots, potatoes, and other hearty veggies. That’s one great way I mix in some hidden veggies that the kids want to scarf down. I always par-cook them to slightly tender, then add them in with the rest of the ingredients.
How to Store and Reheat
I store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, I reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to Ziplock bags or an airtight container. It will keep well for 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty American Chop Suey makes a great dinner by itself, but I find it also pairs well with cornbread, dinner rolls, or any kind of bread you like for a bit of scooping and dipping. My kids love it best when I serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes.
More Goulash Recipes We Love
Crockpot Goulash Instant Pot Goulash Hungarian Goulash