Classic Goulash Recipe (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)
Make classic goulash with pasta, ground beef, and rich tomato sauce. Easy one-pot comfort food recipe perfect for family dinners!
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or stew beef)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a large pot, cook beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Build Sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Pour in broth and let simmer for 20–25 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta directly to the pot and cook until tender, or cook separately for firmer texture.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot. Optional: sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Notes
- Hungarian-style goulash uses stew beef and more paprika; American-style uses ground beef and pasta.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey and whole wheat pasta.
- Goulash freezes well—store without pasta for best texture.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.