Easy Goulash: 1 Pot Comfort Dinner

On those nights when you just need something warm, hearty, and ridiculously easy, this Easy Classic Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni is my absolute go-to! Seriously, it tastes like pure comfort in a bowl, and it’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing within minutes. This recipe for ground beef and macaroni actually reminds me of my mom’s cooking when I was growing up. She’d whip this up after soccer practice, and it was always devoured in minutes. It’s simple, made with pantry staples, and totally foolproof, even on your busiest weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Classic Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni

This easy classic goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni is a total winner for so many reasons:

• It’s lightning-fast to make – perfect for those crazy weeknights!
• Everything cooks in just one pot, meaning way less cleanup. Yes!
• It’s incredibly hearty and comforting, just like a hug in a bowl.
• The whole family devours it – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Classic Goulash

Alright, let’s get cooking! For this super easy classic goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni, you won’t need anything too fancy. Most of this is probably already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (I like 80/20 for the best flavor, but use what you have!)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (This is going to add SO much flavor!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Don’t skip the garlic, it’s essential!)
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (Keep all that yummy juice!)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (This little secret adds a depth of flavor you wouldn’t believe!)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (The star of the goulash show!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (Or any short pasta you have on hand!)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Optional, but trust me, it’s delicious!)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Easy Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni

Alright, let’s make some magic happen! This easy goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps and get ready for some serious comfort food! Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Remember, if you love easy beef and pasta dishes, you might also want to peek at these crockpot recipes with ground beef or even some general crockpot beef recipes for more inspiration!

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, let’s get that ground beef going. Pop your large pot or Dutch oven onto the stovetop over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and break it up with your spoon. Let it brown up nicely, and once it’s cooked through, drain off any extra grease – we want flavor, not a grease slick! Then, toss in your chopped onion and let it get nice and soft, about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in that minced garlic for just a minute until it smells amazing. It’s all about building those yummy layers of flavor right from the start!

Building the Flavorful Goulash Base

Now for the saucy part! Pour in your big can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them, that juice is gold!), the tomato sauce, and that beef broth. Give it a good stir. Next, add in your Worcestershire sauce – my secret weapon for a little umami kick – along with the paprika, that teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until it looks like a beautiful, rich sauce. Bring this whole glorious concoction to a nice, gentle simmer. This is where all those wonderful flavors start to meld together beautifully.

Cooking the Macaroni to Perfection

Time for the pasta! Now, gently stir in your 1 1/2 cups of elbow macaroni. Make sure it’s all submerged in that savory sauce. Pop a lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to give it a good stir every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Keep an eye on it – you want the macaroni to be perfectly tender, not mushy. Nobody likes mushy pasta!

Finishing Touches for Your Comfort Food Goulash Recipe

See? Told you it was easy! Once the macaroni is tender and everything smells incredible, you’re pretty much done. If you’re feeling a little extra, now’s the time to stir in that optional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the goulash until it’s all gooey and delicious. Give it one last gentle stir, and it’s ready to serve up piping hot! This comfort food goulash recipe is seriously a weeknight dream.

Tips for the Best Easy Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Macaroni

So, you’ve made the basic goulash, but you want to take it to the next level? I get it! Wanting the *best* easy goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni means paying attention to a few little things. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated! These little tweaks can make all the difference between a good meal and a truly fantastic one. For even more pasta goodness, you should totally check out this creamy goulash with ground beef and pasta – another winner!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! For the beef, 80/20 is my fave because the little bit of fat adds tons of flavor, but feel free to use leaner beef if that’s what you have. If you’re out of elbow macaroni, no worries! Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or even ditalini works like a charm. For the beef broth, you can totally swap it for chicken broth in a pinch. And if you’re not a fan of paprika, a little smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth, or you could try a tablespoon of tomato paste if you want even more tomato power.

Achieving the Perfect Goulash Consistency

Sometimes, your goulash might end up a little too thick or a bit too thin. No biggie! If it’s too thick for your liking, just stir in a splash more beef broth or even a little water until it’s just right. On the flip side, if it seems a little watery after the pasta is cooked, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The sauce will thicken up as it reduces. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water (a slurry!) at the end for a quick thickening boost if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef and Macaroni Casserole

This hearty goulash is practically a meal all on its own, but who doesn’t love a good sidekick? To really amp up the comfort food vibes, I love serving it with some crusty garlic bread for dipping, or maybe a fresh, crisp Caesar salad to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top also makes it look and taste extra special! It’s all about those little touches, right?

Storage and Reheating Your Easy Goulash

Leftovers are the best, aren’t they? If you happen to have any of this delicious easy goulash left (which is unlikely in my house!), storing it is super simple. Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll keep perfectly for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze some for later, that works too! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quick fix!

Frequently Asked Questions about this Simple Goulash Recipe

Got questions about my favorite easy goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes that’s super forgiving, but sometimes little things pop up. So, let’s dive into some common queries!

Can I make this easy goulash recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This simple goulash recipe is actually *better* made ahead of time. The flavors really get a chance to meld together overnight, making it even more delicious. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’s perfect for meal prep!

What other vegetables can I add to this creamy goulash with ground beef and pasta?

Oh, you can totally load this up with veggies! Peas or corn are fantastic additions – just stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Diced bell peppers (any color!) or even some chopped mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions at the beginning. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra goodness, especially for the picky eaters.

Is this easy weeknight goulash dinner spicy?

This specific recipe isn’t typically spicy at all! The paprika gives it that classic goulash flavor, but it’s not heat. If you like things with a kick, though, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you add the other spices. Start with just a little bit and see how you like it!

Can I freeze leftovers of this ground beef and macaroni casserole?

Yes, you sure can! This ground beef and macaroni casserole freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as usual. So handy!

Where can I find more easy goulash recipes?

If you’re loving this easy goulash recipe, you might want to check out this super easy goulash recipe with ground beef over on RecipesGuides.net! They have tons of great ideas for all sorts of comfort food!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you know, the nutritional info for this easy goulash is an estimate, because really, everyone’s kitchen is a little different! Based on the ingredients, one serving is roughly:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sodium: 800mg

Keep in mind that things like the fat content of your beef and whether you add cheese can change these numbers a bit!

Share Your Easy Classic Goulash Creation!

I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all! If you give this easy classic goulash recipe with ground beef and macaroni a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below. Did your family love it? Did you tweak it in a fun way? I’d be over the moon to see your photos too – tag me on social media or head over to my contact page to share!

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