Comforting Ground Beef Goulash

Why Make This Recipe

Comforting Ground Beef Goulash is a warm and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the rich flavors of ground beef with tender macaroni, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. This goulash is easy to prepare, utilizes simple ingredients, and packs a punch of flavor that will please even picky eaters.

How to Make Comforting Ground Beef Goulash

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Comforting Ground Beef Goulash

Serve this goulash hot, straight from the pot. It goes well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can top it with some grated cheese for extra flavor if you like.

How to Store Comforting Ground Beef Goulash

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Comforting Ground Beef Goulash

  • Always taste your goulash before serving. You can adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
  • For a thicker consistency, let it simmer a little longer after the pasta is cooked.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the mix for extra nutrition.

Variation

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. You can also swap out the elbow macaroni for any other pasta shape you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I make goulash in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water if you prefer.

3. Is goulash spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Ground Beef Goulash

A warm and hearty dish combining ground beef and tender macaroni, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust amount to taste.
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth or water.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional) For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or salad. Top with grated cheese for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

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