This easy goulash recipe comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ground beef and elbow macaroni are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a cozy one-pot meal the whole family will love.
It’s BEST Goulash Recipe Because…
- The reviews speak for themselves… it’s delicious!
- This goulash recipe is made with basic ingredients.
- It’s budget-friendly and can stretch to feed a crowd with extra pasta and sauce.
- It needs only one pot for easy clean up!
Goulash Around The Globe
American Goulash is different from goulash in other parts of the world. This American Goulash recipe is a simple dish with ground beef and elbow macaroni simmered in tomato sauce. It is also known as “slumgullion”, Hamburger Goulash, or “American chop suey” among other names!
Hungarian Goulash is a beef and onion soup seasoned with Hungarian paprika, which sometimes contains potatoes and/or carrots.
What You’ll Need To Make Goulash
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (or hamburger meat)— it’s okay if you use a little more or less than what is called for. It can be replaced with Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Pasta: Use any small pasta, my preference is elbow macaroni. Try small shells, bowties, or ditalini.
- Pasta Sauce: Use jarred pasta sauce (or homemade marinara sauce). I like to add canned diced tomatoes for texture and to stretch the meal further.
- Broth: Add broth or water to cook the pasta.
- Seasoning: Onion, garlic, Italian Seasoning, and bay leaf flavor the sauce.
Variations
- Diced celery or red bell pepper can be added to the meat sauce.
- Stir in some Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Stretch the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained beans.
- Stir in some Parmesan cheese, or top it with cheddar cheese or sour cream for serving.
Serving Suggestions
This goulash recipe is great with drop biscuits or crusty bread to sop up any bits in the bottom of the bowl. I often add a fresh salad or Caesar salad on the side.
Leftovers and Storage
Fridge: Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer: Freeze chilled portions in zippered bags for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Did you enjoy Grandma’s Goulash Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Easy Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 ounce jar
- 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked, about 8 ounces
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
I added a little ground chili pepper for some heat. Very good definitely make again
Tried this tonight and it was delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
It’s Greeeeat. yummy
Superb
My family loves this recipe! We like using small elbow pasta for this one. I don’t change one thing about this recipe. It is perfectly yummy and quick.
I HAVE SEARCHED and searches for the recipe ITALIAN SAUSAGE GOULASH, CAN YU SND IT TO ME PLEASE
I make this goulash recipe with ground beef, the beef can be replaced with sausage. Be sure to drain the sausage well before adding the other ingredients.
Tacos yesterday. Used left over taco meat, and bag of frozen peppers and onions, a can of tomatoes, seasoning in recipe, a couple bouillon cubes and 2 c water, and pasta shells. Great, easy inspirational recipe, and delicious.
I’ve left my email address twice but haven’t gotten the Goulash recipe ⁉️Am I
missing something else i should be doing?
Hello Nola, if you scroll down it should be near the bottom of the page.
Amazing, easy and budget friendly. I have made goulash for many years, but the addition of the marinara sauce is a game changer! Cannot wait to make this again.
I have never made Goulash, had to try it…..omitted the bay leak and added
some heat…..perfect meal.
Tasty, My Neighbors enjoyed their Monday meal!
Holly, is this recipe the same as your American Goulash recipe? I know I have one from you called that, and it is so good…but where did I stash the recipe, hmm. But I think this is the same?
Hi Lori! This is the same recipe, just a new name. Enjoy!
EASY GOULASH, LOVED THE RECEIPE, WILL BE MAKING AND SHAING WITH THE NEIGHBORS
Made this tonight with Gluten Free macaroni noodles and it came out wonderful! I used a can of diced tomatoes with chilis to give a kick instead of just canned tomatoes. My husband likes it a little spicy. I’m enjoying all your recipes and making them gluten free for my family.
I added more macaroni. The pasta takes longer to cook than indicated.