Go Back
A delicious bowl of homemade goulash topped with herbs and served with bread.

The Best Goulash

A cozy and simple weeknight comfort dish that is saucy and sure to please the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean beef to reduce splatter.
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni Cook until al dente.
  • 1 medium onion (chopped) Cook until soft and glossy.
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained) Canned tomatoes keep it easy and saucy.
  • cup frozen corn Adds a sweet pop.
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped) Brightens the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes; then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion; cook until soft and glossy, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains and the edges turn golden, about 6–7 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, green chiles, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the skillet, heat through for 1–2 minutes, and finish with chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Notes

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge or freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.