Classic Goulash Recipe

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When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul and fills your home with savory aromas, few dishes compete with a hearty Classic Goulash. This beloved American-style one-pot wonder features tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce, simmered together into a cozy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, goulash is a budget-friendly go-to that never fails to please.

Goulash brings together the best of simplicity and flavor. With minimal prep and pantry-staple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need something deliciously nostalgic. Every spoonful offers a balance of beefy richness, chewy pasta, and sweet-savory tomato goodness, with bell peppers adding a pop of color and crunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Goulash

This dish is a dinner hero. It’s quick to make, incredibly filling, and versatile enough to adjust based on what you have on hand. Plus, it tastes even better the next day – perfect for leftovers and lunchboxes.

• One-pot meal = minimal cleanup.
• Comforting, hearty, and family-approved.
• Customizable with your favorite spices or vegetables.
• Great for freezing and meal planning.
• A nostalgic, feel-good meal that brings people together.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

The traditional pasta for classic American goulash is elbow macaroni. Its small, tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully and adds that signature texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or even penne – just make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough to stand up to simmering in the sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works great if you have dietary needs to consider.

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Ingredients for the Classic Goulash

Each ingredient in this dish plays a special role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what makes this classic comfort food so crave-worthy:

• Ground Beef – The heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a rich, meaty flavor without excess grease.
• Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta that absorbs the sauce beautifully and provides that satisfying bite.
• Onion – Adds a savory-sweet foundation that deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic – Brings aromatic warmth and sharpness.
• Green and Red Bell Peppers – These not only offer a colorful contrast but also a slightly sweet crunch.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Builds the hearty tomato base of the dish.
• Tomato Sauce – Adds thickness and smooth richness.
• Beef Broth – Deepens the flavor and keeps everything moist.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Just a splash brings umami depth and a touch of tang.
• Bay Leaves – Infuse subtle herbal notes that bring the sauce to life.
• Paprika – Adds mild spice and warmth.
• Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning, taste as you go!

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How To Make the Classic Goulash

This recipe is as comforting to cook as it is to eat. Here’s how to bring this one-pot wonder to life:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let everything cook together for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves. Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve hot, optionally garnished with shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh parsley.

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How to Serve and Store Classic Goulash

This goulash recipe yields enough to serve 6 to 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Ladle it into bowls piping hot and optionally top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs for a finishing touch.

To store leftovers, let the goulash cool to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen over time. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

Want to freeze it? You can! Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just know that the pasta will soften more upon thawing, so if you’re planning ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and combining it fresh when reheating.

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What to Serve With Goulash?

Looking to round out your meal? Here are some delicious pairings that complement the hearty richness of goulash:

Garlic Bread

Crusty garlic bread is a must. It’s ideal for scooping up every last bit of saucy goodness.

Garden Salad

A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the goulash.

Roasted Vegetables

Think carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini tossed with olive oil and herbs.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple and classic, green beans add crunch and a touch of earthiness.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly, they pair wonderfully with the savory flavors.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

The tang cuts through the richness and adds a zingy contrast.

Applesauce

Sounds odd, but a touch of sweetness on the side brings nostalgic school lunch vibes and surprising balance.

Coleslaw

A creamy or vinegar-based slaw gives you a crunchy, refreshing side that cools the palate.

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Want More Comfort Food Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of hearty, cozy meals like this Classic Goulash, then you’ll love diving into these other flavorful pasta dishes from the NoraNosh collection:

• Creamy Beef and Shells for a rich, creamy twist on a childhood favorite.
• Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce when you’re craving something garlicky and luxurious.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s perfect for quick weeknight cooking.
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole if you want something ultra-comforting and cheesy.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a fun, bite-sized twist that packs big flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how your goulash turned out! Did you add extra cheese? Maybe a dash of hot sauce? I love seeing how you put your own spin on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and comfort food recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next kitchen obsession!

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