Goulash Recipes for Every Occasion

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of goulash. Picture this: rich, savory broth enveloping tender beef and colorful vegetables, all simmered to perfection. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. It’s the kind of dish that warms hearts and fills bellies—a perfect antidote to a chilly evening.

I remember the first time I made goulash for my family; I thought I’d just whip up a simple meal. Little did I know it would become a family favorite! Goulash is not just food; it’s an experience—one filled with laughter and love. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish promises delightful flavors.

I once served this to my friends during a game night; their eyes lit up as they took the first bite—it was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best; it keeps the dish hearty without being too greasy.
• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors—red, yellow, green—for added sweetness and visual appeal.
• Onions: Sweet onions add depth to your goulash; don’t skimp on these.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a fragrant kick; use more if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes help create that rich base we all love—opt for those with herbs for extra flavor.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional but feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape.
• Beef Broth: A good quality beef broth enriches the flavor profile immensely; homemade is best!
• Spices (Paprika, Oregano): Paprika adds warmth while oregano brings in the classic Italian flair—don’t hold back!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Get Ready: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools—like large pots and spatulas—to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat; you want flavor without swimming in grease.

Add Aromatics: Toss in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves into the pot with the beef; sauté until they turn translucent and release a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.

Incorporate Veggies: Mix in 1 cup each of diced bell peppers—choose your favorite colors—and watch as they brighten up the pot. Stir them in for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly.

Add Tomatoes & Spices: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes along with 1 teaspoon each of paprika and oregano. Stir well to combine everything; let those flavors mingle for another minute.

Pour in Broth & Pasta: Add 3 cups of beef broth to the pot followed by 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat; let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot! Feel free to sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flair.

Now you have an incredible bowl of goulash ready to impress! Serve it up with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that screams comfort food! Enjoy every mouthful of this hearty delight.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning your meat to build flavor, then add veggies and spices before simmering for that perfect tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize with different vegetables, or swap beef for turkey or chicken for lighter fare.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where her goulash was always a family favorite at gatherings.

FAQ

What are some quick goulash recipes?

You can use pre-cooked pasta and canned tomatoes for a speedy meal.

Can I make goulash recipes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute meat with beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

How do I thicken my goulash?

Add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Goulash

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors—perfect for family meals or gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the canned tomatoes, paprika, and oregano; mix well.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the elbow macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.

Notes

•  Customize your goulash by adding different vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
•  For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
•  Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating for freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg