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Saturday, October 3, 2026

Classic Homemade Goulash

 

 

 

 

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar, savory flavors.

  • Budget-Conscious: Made with simple, wholesome pantry and fridge staples.

  • Freezer Friendly: Tastes even better the next day and freezes wonderfully!

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: $1 \text{ lb}$ lean ground beef (85/15 works great)

  • Onion: $1$ medium yellow onion, diced

  • Bell Pepper: $1$ green bell pepper, diced

  • Garlic: $3$ cloves garlic, minced

  • Broth: $2.5 \text{ cups}$ beef broth

  • Tomatoes: $2$ cans ($14.5 \text{ oz}$ each) diced tomatoes (undrained)

  • Tomato Sauce: $1$ can ($15 \text{ oz}$) tomato sauce

  • Seasonings: $1 \text{ tsp}$ Italian seasoning, $1 \text{ tsp}$ paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste

  • Pasta: $2 \text{ cups}$ uncooked elbow macaroni noodles

  • Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper until the beef is fully browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

  3. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly right in the sauce and absorbs all those delicious flavors.

  4. Rest and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes to thicken up. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired!

Chef's Tips for Success

  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni while it simmers so it stays al dente rather than mushy.

  • Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the other seasonings.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of beef broth to restore the creamy consistency.

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