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 dish the whole family will love.

pot of Grandma's Goulash

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor: Rich and savory flavors that make it a nostalgic family favorite.
  • Skill Level: This recipe is perfect for first-time cooks looking for a no-fuss comfort food meal.
  • Swaps: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef, or try different pasta shapes.
ingredients for goulash on a table including broth, tomato sauce, bell pepper, seasonings, garlic, onion, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, pasta, and ground beef

Easy Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef; it’s okay if you use a little more or less than what is called for. It can be replaced with Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey.
  • Pasta: Unlike Hungarian goulash, made with potatoes and carrots, American goulash is made with pasta. Use any small pasta; my preference is elbow macaroni. Try small shells, bowties, or ditalini.
  • Tomato Sauce: Use jarred tomato sauce (or homemade marinara sauce). I like to add canned diced tomatoes for texture and to stretch the meal further.
  • Seasoning: Onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf flavor the sauce. Use minced garlic from the jar and dehydrated or frozen diced onions to save time.

Simple Substitutions

  • Diced celery or red bell pepper can be added to the meat sauce.
  • Stir in some Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes for more flavor.
  • 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.
ingredients for goulash in a pot
adding elbow macaroni to goulash

Second Day Goulash

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.

dish of Grandma's Goulash with a pot full in the back

More Comforting Classics

Did you enjoy Grandma’s Goulash Recipe? Leave a rating and comment below.

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pot full of American Goulash with a spoon
4.97 from 725 votes
Author Holly Nilsson

Grandma’s Goulash Recipe

Author Holly Nilsson
Servings 8 servings
This goulash recipe is a simple one-pot meal with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce. It's a perfect comfort food on a budget!
Save Rate Print
Servings 8 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato based pasta sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
  • 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni uncooked
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, optional

Instructions 

  • In a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, 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 leaf, 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

Use 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, approx 1½ cups.
This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd (serving sizes can be adjusted in the print screen).
For heartier appetites, the meal can be stretched with additional pasta (and water/broth), canned beans or chopped vegetables. (diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers). Any ground meat can be substituted for beef. 
Start with the amount of broth/water as listed and add extra if needed (depending on pasta shape). The goulash will thicken as it cools and rests. Depending on the size and shape of your pan, you may need to add a little bit more liquid. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks, and add more liquid as needed. The mixture will thicken slightly as it cools.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4.97 from 725 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 315 | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 794mg | Potassium: 559mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 491IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 3mg

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.

plated Grandma's Goulash with a title
rich and comforting Grandma's Goulash with writing
Grandma's Goulash in the dish with a title
Grandma's Goulash in the pan and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly

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4.97 from 725 votes (564 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  2. Hi and thank you for the recipe. It looks delicious. Before I make it, I was wondering if a 12-inch skillet or pan will suffice to hold all the ingredients. I don’t have a Dutch oven.

    Reply

    1. As mentioned in the directions you can use a large skillet with a lid for this recipe. A 12-inch skillet should work well.

      Reply

  3. We make this all the time but we add stewed tomatoes and kidney beans. Its also extremely delicious with rice instead of pasta.5 stars

    Reply

  4. Perfect! I added 1 jalapeño and another bell pepper, topped with parmesan cheese to serve. Delicious. Love this recipe.5 stars

    Reply

  5. Excellent recipe! Quick & easy, tastes delightful. I had all the ingredients in my fridge & pantry. Thank you for this in a pinch, recipe.5 stars

    Reply

  10. 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.5 stars

    Reply

    1. 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.

      Reply

  12. 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.

    Reply

  13. I’ve left my email address twice but haven’t gotten the Goulash recipe ⁉️Am I
    missing something else i should be doing?

    Reply

  14. 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.5 stars

    Reply

  17. 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?

    Reply

  19. 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.5 stars

    Reply