Ground Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni is a timeless, comforting one-pot dish enjoyed in many homes across America. While inspired by Hungarian goulash, this American version uses ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor. It’s beautifully simple, budget-friendly, and beloved because it combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a perfectly seasoned tomato base — all simmered until ultra flavorful.
This dish brings nostalgic feelings of family dinners, cozy evenings, and homemade comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because:
- It’s a one-pot meal — fewer dishes, more flavor.
- It uses pantry staples that are always available.
- It tastes even better the next day, as flavors develop.
- It’s incredibly forgiving and customizable.
This is the kind of recipe that never fails — delicious, filling, and satisfying.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
You should try this dish because:
- It’s easy enough for beginners and rewarding for experienced cooks.
- It feeds multiple people at a low cost.
- It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, gatherings, or lunches.
- Kids and adults enjoy it equally.
If you love cozy, hearty recipes, this one belongs in your rotation.
Recipe Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10–15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35–45 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 servings |
| Calories per Serving | ≈ 480 calories |
| Course | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Food |
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional if using lean beef)
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional but balances acidity)
- 1–2 bay leaves
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (for topping)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir and bring to simmer.
Step 3: Season
- Add paprika, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
- Stir and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot.
- Stir well so pasta is fully covered by liquid.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add cheese only if desired and stir until melted.
How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
- Garlic bread
- Salad or steamed vegetables
This is a complete meal, but sides make it even better.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t cook the pasta separately — cooking in sauce makes it flavorful.
- Add more broth if mixture gets too thick while pasta cooks.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving — this thickens it perfectly.
- Drain excess grease for a healthier result.
Variations
| Style | How to Adjust |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Goulash | Stir in 1–2 cups cheddar or mozzarella |
| Spicy Version | Add chili flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños |
| Vegetarian | Replace beef with lentils or plant-based ground |
| Italian Style | Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning |
| Mexican Inspired | Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans |
Freezing & Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 3–4 days | Store airtight |
| Freeze | 2–3 months | Cool fully first and freeze in portions |
| Reheat | Stove or microwave | Add splash of broth if dried out |
Special Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Airtight containers for leftovers
FAQ
Q: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes — shells, rotini, penne, or small rigatoni work great.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this dish scales perfectly.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or pork?
Yes — ground turkey makes a lighter version.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, economical, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or craving something warm and filling, this dish delivers every time. Easy to customize and impossible to mess up, it’s one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ground Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni
Description
Ground Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni is a timeless, comforting one-pot dish enjoyed in many homes across America. While inspired by Hungarian goulash, this American version uses ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
Sauce
Seasonings
Pasta
Optional Add-ins
Instructions
-
Step 1: Brown the Beef : Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
-
Step 2: Build the Sauce : Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir and bring to simmer.
-
Step 3: Season : Add paprika, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
-
Step 4: Cook the Pasta : Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot. Stir well so pasta is fully covered by liquid. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
-
Step 5: Finish and Serve : Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add cheese only if desired and stir until melted.
