Goulash Recipe With Tender Beef and Paprika

Goulash offers comfort food at its finest, with a history that spans generations and borders.

Originally a Hungarian staple, it has evolved into countless regional variations across Central Europe and beyond.

The rich, hearty nature makes it perfect for cold evenings when something substantial and warming is needed.

Families have passed down their own versions for decades, each adding a personal touch that reflects local tastes and traditions.

What makes it so appealing is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand while still maintaining that signature depth of flavor.

The aroma alone fills the kitchen with an inviting warmth that brings everyone to the table.

It's one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Once you master the basics, it becomes a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

What Makes Goulash So Enjoyable

• Comfort Food Champion: This goulash wraps your family in warm, hearty goodness that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for feeding hungry folks without complex cooking skills.
• One-Pot Wonder: Save yourself tons of kitchen cleanup by making everything in a single pot, which means less washing and more enjoying delicious dinner together.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Stretch your grocery dollars with affordable ingredients that create a filling meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults without breaking the bank.
• Quick Weeknight Hero: Transform basic pantry staples into a complete meal faster than ordering takeout, giving your dinner table a delicious solution when time is short.

Core Ingredients in Goulash

• Ground Beef (2 lbs, lean): The hearty protein that gives your goulash its robust foundation.

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Creates a perfect sautéing base for your vegetables and meat.
• Onion (1 cup, diced): Adds a sweet, savory depth to your dish’s flavor profile.
• Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture to the goulash.
• Garlic (3 tsp, minced): Provides a warm, pungent kick that enhances all other ingredients.

• Tomato Sauce (2 .15 oz cans): Delivers rich, smooth tomato flavor to bind the dish.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes (2 .15 oz cans): Adds chunks of bright, tangy tomato throughout.
• Beef Broth (3 cups): Creates a deeply flavorful cooking liquid for your pasta and meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce (3 tbsp): Contributes a complex, umami undertone to the goulash.

• Seasoned Salt (2 tsp): Provides an all-purpose seasoning that enhances overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning (2 tbsp): Introduces a blend of herbs that complement the meat and tomatoes.
• Bay Leaves (3): Infuse a subtle, earthy background flavor during cooking.

• Macaroni Noodles (2 cups, uncooked): The classic pasta that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully to create a creamy, rich finish.

Basic Kitchen Equipment for Goulash

• Large Pot (5-6 quart): Perfect for cooking everything in one vessel and giving your goulash plenty of room to simmer.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir ingredients smoothly without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate amounts of broth, sauce, and seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Chef’s Knife: Sharp blade for cleanly chopping onions and bell peppers with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping your vegetables before cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Lets you shred fresh cheddar cheese for that melty topping.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess fat from ground beef after initial cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Critical for adding the right quantity of seasonings to your dish.

Classic Way to Make Goulash

Useful Kitchen Notes for Goulash

• Get a deep golden color on your ground beef by not stirring constantly and letting it develop a nice crust before breaking it apart.
• After cooking the meat, drain most of the grease to keep your goulash from becoming too oily and heavy on the stomach.
• Let your minced garlic hit the hot pan for just 30 seconds to release its amazing flavor without burning.
• Taste your goulash near the end of cooking and adjust seasonings – a pinch of salt or extra Italian seasoning can make a big difference.
• Stir the cheddar in last moment so it melts perfectly and creates a creamy, rich texture throughout the dish.

Flavorful Options for Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, keeping all other ingredients the same for a protein-packed meat-free version that tastes just as hearty.
• Gluten-Free Goulash: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring your dietary needs are met without sacrificing flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese to give your dish a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Goulash: Trade pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the classic comfort food feel of the original recipe.

Best Serving Options for Goulash

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce and add a delightful texture to your meal.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a crisp green salad with your favorite veggies to balance the hearty goulash and add some brightness to your plate.
• Add a Sprinkle of Herbs: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives to bring a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Pair with a Simple Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel to complement the robust flavors of the goulash and elevate your dining experience.

Proper Storage Notes For Goulash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making sure to seal tightly so your goulash stays fresh and doesn’t absorb other flavors.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots that can make your pasta feel rubbery.
• When warming up a larger batch, use a saucepan on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to help restore moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Goulash Questions Readers Often Ask

Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

Simmering with Hungarian heritage, Goulash brings hearty comfort straight to your dinner table with tender beef and rich paprika-infused broth that warms from the first delicious bite. Comfort cooking doesn’t get more authentic than this classic stew that connects generations through its deeply satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs ground beef (lean)

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 .15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 .15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups macaroni noodles (uncooked)

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 3 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 cup diced onions and 1 green bell pepper for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Add 2 lbs lean ground beef to the pot. Break meat into small pieces and cook at 375°F for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the pot, leaving a thin layer. Return pot to stove and add 3 tsp minced garlic. Stir and cook for 45 seconds until aromatic.
4. Pour in 2 cans tomato sauce, 2 cans petite diced tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, and 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine ingredients.
5. Sprinkle 2 tsp seasoned salt, 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, and add 3 whole bay leaves into the mixture. Mix well to distribute seasonings.
6. Add 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the liquid. Stir gently to ensure pasta is submerged.
7. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer at 200°F for 18-22 minutes until pasta becomes tender.
8. Remove bay leaves completely from the pot. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
9. Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

• Drain meat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a rich, clean flavor.
• For deeper taste, let the goulash simmer longer than 20 minutes, which helps meld the spices and develop richer complexity.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version, but know the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning when possible, as they provide more vibrant and authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Sautéed
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg