Classic Goulash Recipe – Hearty, Stove-Top Comfort in 30 Minutes

Introduction

The smell of tomatoes and paprika bubbling on the stove always takes me back to cozy Sunday evenings. Right away, Classic Goulash fills the kitchen with a warm, savory hug, and I can almost hear laughter from the dining room. If you love simple comfort food, then this pot is for you — and for a bonus, it pairs beautifully with a beef macaroni goulash riff I’ve tried on busy weeknights. Also, you’ll find it forgiving, quick, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can get dinner on the table fast.
• Comforting homemade flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion, from weeknights to casual gatherings.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, and it even tastes better the next day.
  Also, serve it with a simple dessert like a classic apple crumble for the full cozy experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14–15 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8–15 oz)
• 2 cups beef broth — Use low-sodium if you want more control over salt.
• 1 tbsp paprika — Sweet paprika adds warmth and color.
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano

I like to keep the onion and pepper a bit chunky, because the texture adds a homey feel. Also, if you have a splash of Worcestershire sauce, it deepens the beef flavor beautifully.

How to Make It

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as the meat starts to brown. Stir and break it up, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
2. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook them with the beef until they soften; meanwhile the kitchen fills with that sweet onion-and-pepper aroma.
3. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Then, sprinkle in the paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Give everything a good stir so the spices bloom in the liquid.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to keep the pasta from sticking. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and the pasta plumping up.
5. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the goulash seems a touch thin, simmer uncovered for a couple more minutes until you reach a cozy, spoon-coating consistency. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite.

Tip: For a step-by-step cozy version, I sometimes follow a tried method I learned from my other favorite beef macaroni goulash recipe and tweak the spices to my mood.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Brown the beef the night before and refrigerate; then just finish the dish when you’re ready.
• Common fix: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water and stir until silky.
• Flavor twist: Stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar at the end for a cheesy finish, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky note.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Classic Goulash hot from the pot for family dinners, cozy nights in, or lazy Sunday lunches. Also, try these simple touches:

• Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or warm buttered bread.
• For a sweet finish, serve slices of classic butter cookies or a warm apple dessert.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce and pasta texture.
• Leftover idea: Turn leftovers into a cozy baked casserole — top with breadcrumbs and cheese, then bake until golden.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Classic Goulash often tastes even better the next day because the flavors meld.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Swap ground beef for turkey, ground pork, or a plant-based crumbles — this recipe is forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Serve it fresh and hot from the pan, with a little garnish and a side of crusty bread.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to coat the macaroni, it’s ready — plus it will smell incredible.

Final Thoughts

This recipe always reminds me of family dinners on Sundays, when everyone gathered around the table and the kitchen felt like the heart of the home. So, give this Classic Goulash a try, then make it your own with little tweaks and memories. I hope it becomes a staple in your house, the sort of meal you lean on when you want comfort and simplicity — Classic Goulash.

Conclusion

If you want to compare variations or get a slightly different method, check out this trusted Classic Goulash Recipe from Allrecipes: Classic Goulash Recipe. Also, for another homey take with helpful photos and tips, take a look at this version on Dinner, then Dessert: Classic American Goulash Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert.

Classic Goulash

A comforting and hearty goulash that comes together in just 30 minutes, filled with ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 medium onion, diced Keep a bit chunky for texture.
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced Keep a bit chunky for texture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1 can (14-15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8-15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth Use low-sodium for better salt control.
• 1 tbsp paprika Sweet paprika adds warmth and color.
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until it's browned and no longer pink.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook until they soften, releasing a sweet aroma.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano, and stir well.
4. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well to prevent sticking.
5. Cover the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the pasta is cooked.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the goulash is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
7. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite.

Notes

For step-by-step cozy version, follow the method from favorite beef macaroni goulash recipes and tweak spices as desired. Time-saver: Brown the beef the night before. To fix thick sauce, add a splash of broth or water. Stir in shredded cheddar for a cheesy finish or add smoked paprika for a smoky note.