This easy old fashioned goulash recipe is pure comfort in a pan. I’ve made this humble one-pot dinner more times than I can count because it never fails and always hits the spot. Packed with pasta, ground beef, tomatoes and simple spices, it’s hearty, cozy and incredibly easy to throw together with very little hands-on effort. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, which makes this one of those dependable comfort food recipes I come back to again and again.
Original recipe: December 2016 | Updated: August 2021
Why This American Goulash Recipe Works
This is the kind of nostalgic comfort food recipe people come back to again and again. I’ve made this easy goulash more times than I can count and it has never once failed me.
Here is why it stands out:
- Everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup
- Packed with hearty pasta, beef, tomatoes and rich flavor
- Requires very little hands-on time
- Perfect for both busy weeknights and feeding a crowd
- The leftovers are unbelievably good the next day
This is one of those meals I genuinely cannot control myself around. When there’s a batch in the fridge, I end up eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner until it’s completely gone.
If you have an Instant Pot, be sure to try my Instant Pot Goulash, too!
Goulash Ingredients
Ground beef – Replace the ground beef (or a portion of it) with ground pork for an added kick of flavor. For a healthier version of this comforting meal, replace the beef with lean ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken.
Onion – Yellow onions or white onions will be your best options for bringing out the flavors in the dish.
Garlic – Use fresh minced. Replace with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes – Do not drain the tomatoes! Also, consider using a variety with added herbs and flavors.
Tomato sauce – If you have time for it, you will be happy with the boost of flavor that homemade tomato sauce offers. This rich tomato-based sauce is hard to beat.
Water – Replace all or a portion of the water in the recipe with low sodium beef broth for an even more flavorful meal.
Worcestershire sauce – This sauce is one of my little secret ingredients for this recipe. A little goes a long way!
Seasoned salt and Italian seasoning – Don’t skip either of these seasonings! They add the perfect flavor to the dish.
Elbow macaroni noodles – A different variety of small pasta can be used in this recipe, such as penne or rotini.
What Is Goulash?
Goulash? Gulach? Goolash? Ghoulash? What the heck does this funny word even mean? First of all, American and Hungarian Goulash are two entirely different dinner recipes.
Based on this recipe from Taste of Home here are the ingredients you’ll find in the Hungarian version that you will not find in the Americanized version: carrots, green peppers, stew meat (in place of ground beef), beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds and sour cream.
Keep reading for details about the American version of the delish one-pot dinner detailed in this post.
As for the goulash origin, it stems from the Hungarian word “Gulyás” which is defined as “cowboy.” Hungarian cowboys butchered the weakest cattle and made easy meals out of their meat. Hence, the word!
Are Goulash and Spaghetti the Same
Goulash and spaghetti contain similar ingredients. When making spaghetti, the pasta and sauce are cooked separately and combined just before serving. Goulash is typically made in a single pot.
How To Make This Easy American Goulash Recipe
Step 1
Cook 2 pounds of ground beef in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove top until no longer pink. Drain the grease from the pan. Add 1 yellow onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until onions are translucent.
The onions and garlic will be nice and fragrant, as well (I love the smell of sauteed garlic).
Step 2
Add the remaining ingredients to the ground beef onion mixture and stir.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Step 3
Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Remove from heat and serve to hungry tummies!
Recipe Notes
- Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese or Parmesan over the top just before serving for an extra cheesy version of this dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, oregano or basil and top with a sprinkling of black pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Add 2 bay leaves and/or a splash of red wine to the pot before cooking for extra flavor.
- Include a small can of tomato paste into the meat sauce for a robust tomato flavor.
- Add chopped green bell peppers to the onion mixture for added texture and flavor. Red, yellow, orange or green peppers would all taste great.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
- Leftover goulash is delicious! This hearty ground beef recipe makes a large batch, but you can easily reheat throughout the week.
Pure Comfort Food Recipes
- The Best Meatloaf Recipe
- Spaghetti Sauce Made Out of Tomato Sauce
- Easy 3-Ingredient Chili
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Crab Soup
What To Serve With Goulash
The great thing about this one-pot meal is that everything is wrapped into a single pot. If you’re looking for something extra to serve alongside this American comfort food, consider any of the following:
- A delicious chopped salad complements the dish perfectly.
- You can’t go wrong with garlic bread.
- Any side of vegetables would go great with it. Steamed broccoli, green beans or cauliflower or sauteed zucchini or mushrooms. Asparagus and Brussels sprouts would be great, too!
- Add a giant heaping spoonful of goulash over a baked potato.
- Roasted or grilled tomatoes would taste amazing with this dish and would complement the tomatoes in the recipe even more.
How Long Does Goulash Last in the Fridge
Cooked and cooled beef goulash, when stored in an airtight container, will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How To Freeze Goulash
Goulash freezes fairly well, with the pasta losing some of its firmness after it has been thawed. When preparing a big batch of goulash to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the recipe just before serving.
Place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months for best results. When ready to thaw, allow it to sit in the fridge over night.
Make Hamburger Goulash in an Instant Pot
Make this comforting meal in your Instant Pot! Instant Pot goulash could not be easier or more delicious. It cooks perfectly every time and is done in only 30 minutes. Perfect easy dinner any night of the week!
Make Goulash in a Slow Cooker
This slow cooker goulash recipe is a delicious, filling and hearty meal that is super easy to prepare in your crockpot. Requiring mere minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, crockpot goulash is the perfect family meal for a busy night!
Make Your Own Tomato Sauce
To add an extra touch of flavor to this meal, consider making your own tomato sauce! Homemade Tomato Sauce is SO easy to make and the flavor is out of this world.onths for best results. When ready to thaw, allow it to sit in the fridge over night.
What People Are Saying About This Easy Goulash Recipe
My family loved this meal. I did cook the noodles separate and added at the end after simmering everything else. I used roasted tomato and garlic diced tomatoes. Will absolutely make again. Thank you for the recipe. – Kelly
This rekinds me of my childhood. I usually use my garden stewed tomatoes which have onion, bell pepper and celery. If not, I make sure to add celery when the onion is added. Also, beef better than bouillon works nicely inplace of the broth. Bay leaf is another good flavor inhancer. I like the one pot method. – Lisa
Hands down one of my favorite recipes. I make it at least once a month but I cut everything in half because it does make a huge pot of food. I also substitute ground sausage for the beef. But again….amazing recipe. – Lily
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Easy Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 30 oz diced tomatoes undrained
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and elbow macaroni to the pan. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low heat, cover pan and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately!
Video
Notes
- Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese or Parmesan over the top just before serving for an extra cheesy version of this dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, oregano or basil and top with a sprinkling of black pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Add 2 bay leaves and/or a splash of red wine to the pot before cooking for extra flavor.
- Include a small can of tomato paste into the meat sauce for a robust tomato flavor.
- Add chopped green bell peppers to the onion mixture for added texture and flavor. Red, yellow, orange or green peppers would all taste great.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
- Leftover goulash is delicious! This hearty ground beef recipe makes a large batch, but you can easily reheat throughout the week.
I cut the recipe in half for 4 people and had plenty with leftovers.
I did add additional season salt and Worcestershire sauce. We sprinkled grated Parmesan Romano cheese on our servings when plated. Served with fresh Italian bread. Everyone love it!!
Sounds great – glad it was a hit!
My Mom always added corn to her goulash and I loved the way she did it.
It’s fun remembering how our family members cooked for us. Throw some corn in – it’ll taste that much better!
Have some on the the stove right now.. I added gr.bell pepper and a few sliced mushrooms.will add shredded Colby Jack cheese at the end.Will post again after the 7 of us try it.
I think all of those add’s will be awesome!
This did not taste good at all. What a waste of ingredients, time, and money! Keep looking for another recipe.
I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy it. There’s plenty of versions of this to try and enjoy – I hope you find one!
Literally everyone said it was great and I agree. You either cannot read or cook or both.
I appreciate the feedback!
Garlic bread and salad
What do you suggest as a side for this dish?
A great salad is yummy on the side. Try the https://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2012/3/17/fresh-greens-salad-with-orange-basil-vinaigrette.html?rq=salad or the chopped salad with a raspberry vinaigrette would be tasty too.
I read all the comments about husbands loving this. Mine also said it was the best I ever made!!!! I did add cheese.
Yay! It’s a win if they husbands agree it’s delicious! Thank you for sharing!
This was SO YUM!!! I made it for supper tonight. Even my picky 2 year old had 3 helpings! Only thing i did different was added beef stock instead of water. Thanks for the recipe! It eas super easy to!
Adding stock is a good idea! Just make sure it doesn’t get too salty. Having toddler’s approve is a big deal too! Glad the family enjoyed it.
Is there a smaller recipe I only have one can of tomato ???
Hi, You definitely could half the recipe and do a smaller batch! I’ve never done it but as always with any recipe, make sure to taste it and add more seasoning as needed.
1 pounds ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1.5 cloves garlic, minced
One 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
One 15-oz. cans tomato sauce
1.5 cups water
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoons seasoned salt
8-oz. box elbow macaroni
I just halved the recipe because I live alone and didn’t want to make that much for just me. I had plenty for leftover and even shared with my neighbor
Yes, this does make quite a lot. Im glad you could share with a friend and enjoy a meal! Thanks for connecting here – love your comments and feedback!
Is there something to substitute the diced tomatoes bc my husband doesn’t like chucks of tomato’s?
I understand the dislike of chunks of tomatoes. If you’ve ever tried petite diced, they are much more tiny pieces of tomatoes or you can just add more tomato sauce to keep the moistness needed. Enjoy!
I don’t like diced either. Try crushed, I use it as a sub all the time.
Agreed, there’s lots of choices. Experimenting with it helps determine what you like best. Thanks for the suggestion.
crushed tomatoes
There are many great ways to make this and simple twists to make it the way you like best. Thanks for sharing!
I think I have tried every goulash recipe out there. I could never find a recipe we loved till I tried this one. My husband and I love this recipe. It’s easy to make and very delicious. I followed the recipe as written. I have loved all of the pipandebby recipes I have tried,
Well thank you! I’m glad you are enjoying them. I appreciate the note!
I tried this back in October. Used only 1 pound of hamburger, 1 jar of spaghetti sauce and 1 can diced tomatoes in place of the tomato sauce. Also used 2 cups beef stock and 1 cup water. The whole family loved it – YUM! However, when I went to make it a second time, I followed the cooking directions exactly and simmered it for 25-30 minutes. It was mush! Maybe I missed something about when you add the macaroni? No pasta should be cooked that long (at least in my opinion). Thankfully, I made notes from the first time, so followed them the 3rd time and simmered the sauce for 10 minutes, stirred in the macaroni and let that simmer for 8 minutes, then removed it completely from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. It was once again delicious! Now making it for the 4th time because the hubby loves it so much! We like our pasta more firm, or al dente, so maybe that is the difference for us.
There’s a lot of variables, from the heat when the pasta enters the sauce, cover on/off, what part of the US you’re on. Sounds like your good note taking system paid off and I’m glad to hear it’s turned out more than once. Enjoy!
I made this today for my family and it was a big hit?
So glad to hear that!
I would suggest using only 10-12 ounces of the macaroni. It is to dry if you use 16 ounces.
Thank you for the feedback! Adding more tomatoes or tomato sauce is an easy fix if you find it dry. I tend to eyeball the ingredients and adjust as necessary but reducing the pasta is another adjustment that works.
I cooked today and it was very, very good!!!!!! Will definitely cook again!! Thank you for sharing!
You bet! Thanks for trying it out!
I’m so glad to hear that.
Excellent recipe! My husband said it was the best goulash I’ve ever made.
I love my instant pot and will give it a try per Mcsteamy’s directions.
Love it when the husbands are in agreement on a delicious recipe. I hope the instant pot is a success!
This is not a pressure cooker recipe, even though it showed up in my search… but it sounded so good, I adapted it to a pressure cooker. I did as instructed, be sure to stir your uncooked noodles into your meat, spices, and water really good, BUT ADDED THE TOMATOES AND TOMATO SAUCE LAST right on top the meat and noodles, being sure to leave a space, so some of the water solution still showed (we all know tomatoes and pressure cookers don’t play nice), I set it to 12 minutes with quick release, perfect! Such great flavor!
Only stir the tomatoes after you release and remove lid… some temping to stir before, but don’t!
Good to know!
Looks like Chili Mac, not Goulash
This recipe was really good! After reading the comments I bumped the seasoned salt up to one tablespoon and I tossed in a beef bouillon cube. Otherwise, it was prepared as directed.
Are the noodles cooked or uncooked?
Hi Jordan! Just throw the elbow macaroni in uncooked and it’ll cook up for you! Enjoy!
Megan