Name: Only Goulash You'll Ever Need
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Goulash is one of those comforting dishes that brings back memories of home kitchens, warm conversations, and heaping plates of hearty goodness. This version isn’t just another one-pot wonder—it’s a deeply flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that blends ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and paprika. It’s fuss-free, budget-friendly, and has that classic old-school taste that never goes out of style.

Whether you call it American Goulash, beefy pasta stew, or homemade hamburger helper, one thing’s certain: you won’t need another goulash recipe after trying this one. It checks all the boxes—creamy yet rich, simple yet satisfying, and it all comes together in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Goulash

This goulash brings everything to the table: warmth, comfort, and just enough nostalgia. It’s incredibly easy to throw together with pantry staples, yet the flavors taste like it’s been simmering all day. You get the meatiness from ground beef, the heartiness from pasta, and the rich tang from tomato sauce, all laced with herbs and spices that give it that old-school charm.

The best part? It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping. Serve it with a crisp salad or a warm roll, and dinner is done.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditional American goulash is all about elbow macaroni. The shape soaks up the sauce perfectly and keeps each bite nice and tender. That said, you can easily swap in other short pastas like small shells or cavatappi if that’s what you have on hand. Just avoid anything too delicate—you want something that holds up to a hearty sauce and a generous helping of beef.

Ingredients for the Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

The beauty of this dish is how simple it is. You probably already have everything in your pantry or fridge. And each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that classic flavor we all crave.

Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Bay leaf
Salt & pepper
Cheddar cheese (optional)

How To Make the Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If using cheddar cheese, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and serve hot. It’s a full meal in a bowl, but nobody ever complains if you bring some crusty bread to the table.

How to Store and Serve This Hearty Goulash

This recipe easily feeds 6 to 8 hungry people, especially when paired with a side. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, goulash keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before portioning it out into freezer bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheat with a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge. And just like that, you have dinner again.

What to Serve With Goulash?

Garlic Bread

The saucy base of this goulash deserves something to mop it up with. A buttery slice of garlic bread is always a welcome guest.

Crisp Green Salad

Add a fresh contrast to the richness with a bright, crunchy salad tossed in vinaigrette.

Roasted Asparagus

If you’re craving greens, roasted asparagus adds both texture and a bit of elegance to the plate.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple, lightly salted green beans make a clean and classic side.

Pickles or Pickled Beets

Tangy pickles bring a surprising zing that cuts through the meaty richness perfectly.

Cottage Cheese

A small scoop of cottage cheese on the side is a retro nod to how this dish was often served at diners.

Cornbread Muffins

Their slightly sweet flavor is a fun twist and holds up well to the saucy goulash.

Mashed Potatoes

Yes, carbs on carbs. For ultimate comfort, serve this goulash ladled over a pillowy scoop of mashed potatoes.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this goulash hits the spot, you might want to cozy up to these other hearty favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more garlic? Go heavy on the cheese? Maybe even throw in some bell peppers?

I love hearing how others make these classics their own. Feel free to share your twists or ask any questions—let’s cook smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and hearty one-pot wonders on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next go-to dinner idea!

Conclusion

There’s something so reassuring about a dish like goulash. It’s not trendy or complicated, but it delivers every time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is the kind of recipe you keep coming back to—the one you scribble on a recipe card, share with friends, and pass down to family.

The only goulash you’ll ever need? We think so.