Erin Merhar is a professionally trained chef, food stylist, and recipe developer. When she is not coming up with the next great dish for ThePioneerWoman.com, you can find her at the farmers' market or making pizza for friends.
Goulash
It's a cozy bowl of something akin to chili and mac and cheese!
Deciding what to make for dinner tonight? If you're debating between a pasta recipe or a thickened stew, try goulash. It's the best of both worlds! This hearty stew cooks in one pot, with macaroni pasta added at the end and cooked right in the sauce. We love the simplicity of a one-pot meal, and this goulash could not be easier! It requires minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and is ready in half an hour. What more could you want in a family meal?
What is goulash?
Goulash is a stew made of meat and vegetables, with different versions originating from central and eastern European countries. Commonly, most people think of Hungarian goulash: a stew of pieces of meat braised to ultimate tenderness in a paprika-laced broth with vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers. (Its finished result is reminiscent of a cozy beef stew.) This goulash recipe, however, is American style, using ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. It's kind of like the start of a good chili recipe! Once everything is cooked together, macaroni is added and cooked right in the sauce. The goulash is finished with a good amount of sharp cheddar cheese, giving it a creaminess and sharp bite.
How do you make goulash?
Its really simple! Start by cooking the onion and browning the beef. Then you add the beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and seasonings to the pot and let it all simmer before you toss in the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, fold in the cheese, and it's ready to serve.
How long does it take to make goulash?
The best part about this dish is that it all comes together—from prep to finish—in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect dinner for those hectic back-to-school nights when you need to get a meal on the table quickly!
What side dish goes with goulash?
European-style goulash is commonly served alongside buttery noodles, dumplings, or just simply with bread and potatoes. This goulash recipe makes serving a complete meal even easier, by folding macaroni noodles right into the stew.
- Yields:
- 4 - 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp.
olive oil
- 1
onion, chopped
- 3
garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 1/2 lb.
ground beef
- 1
(15 oz.) can beef broth
- 1
15-oz. can tomato sauce
- 1
15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp.
seasoned salt
- 2 tsp.
dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp.
ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 2 c.
elbow macaroni
- 1 c.
sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or dill, optional
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 6)
- Calories598 Fat36 gSaturated fat14 gTrans fat1 gCholesterol102 mgSodium973 mgCarbohydrates33 gFiber5 gSugar7 gProtein32 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium248 mgIron5 mgPotassium898 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Place the oil in a large dutch oven or pot and place over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into little pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. If a lot of liquid or fat remain in the skillet, drain most and discard.
- Step 2Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine and return to a simmer.
- Step 3Add the macaroni and return the pot to a simmer once again. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for about 12 minutes, until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and fold in the cheese. Stir until it is completely melted into the sauce. Serve topped with chopped herbs, if you like.
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