Goulash
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a warm pot of goulash bubbling on the stove. The rich blend of tomatoes and spices wafts through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy family gathering or a friend’s kitchen on a chilly evening. This soul-satisfying dish features tender pasta smothered in a savory meat sauce that the whole family will adore.

This goulash recipe is not just about taste; it’s incredibly straightforward. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious meal in under an hour! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this one-pot wonder is as budget-friendly as it is satisfying. If you’re looking to fill your belly and warm your heart, you’ve found the right recipe. Give this goulash a try—it just might become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 55 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Bursting with comforting and savory notes that bring all the feels.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the tomatoes and corn create a visually appealing dish.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets with simple swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil: A healthy option for sautéing. Avocado oil offers a subtle flavor, while olive oil lends a classic touch. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (~1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and depth. A white onion works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a punch of flavor. Feel free to use garlic powder as a quick alternative in a pinch.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The heart of your goulash. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles serve as tasty alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances richness. If you’re out, use a bit of ketchup to achieve similar results.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness. Rotate with any canned tomatoes you prefer.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a luxurious base. Substitute with crushed tomatoes if needed for a chunkier consistency.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Balances the dish. Vegetable broth can be a suitable swap for a lighter flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the flavors. Use dried oregano and basil if you don’t have this on hand.
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni: The classic goulash pasta. Feel free to exchange with your favorite short pasta.
- 2 cups frozen corn: Adds sweetness and color. Opt for fresh corn if it’s in season, or skip it altogether!
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavor. Adjust based on your dietary needs.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A classic seasoning for a bit of spice.
- Optional garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a finishing touch to your dish. You can also use chives or green onion for extra flavor.
How to Make Goulash
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil. Heat for about 30 seconds, then swirl to coat the bottom. Add 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped) and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring occasionally until softened, around 5 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Incorporate 1 pound of lean ground beef into the skillet. Break it up using a spatula while it cooks, until no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth, and 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta and Corn: Once simmering, toss in 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni and 2 cups of frozen corn. Cover and continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season & Serve: Remove from heat, stirring in ¼ teaspoon fine salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. The goulash will thicken slightly as it cools. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storing & Reheating
To store goulash at room temperature, let it cool completely and keep it for a maximum of 2 hours before refrigerating. In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days if kept in an airtight container. For freezing, ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Note that the texture may change slightly, but a splash of broth can help refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your ground beef is fully browned for enhanced flavor—don’t rush this step!
- Keep an eye on pasta; stirring occasionally helps to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Flavor can be adjusted easily by adding more Italian seasoning or a hint of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- If making this ahead, prepare up to the pasta-addition stage and store the mixture separately; combine right before serving.
- Using frozen corn saves time, but fresh corn can elevate the dish during the summer months.
The comforting aroma of goulash fills the room, inviting everyone to the table. As you hold your bowl, warm and hearty, the rich flavors envelop your senses. You can easily imagine this dish becoming a staple in your weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings, as it brings everyone together for a delicious, shared experience.

Recipe FAQs
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Can I freeze goulash?
What can I use instead of ground beef?
How do I know when the pasta is done?
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Goulash
This goulash is a comforting meal featuring lean ground beef, pasta, and a blend of zesty tomato flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner, its mouthwatering taste and simple preparation will delight food lovers seeking easy, homemade meals.
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 40 minutes
- Yield 5 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons italian seasoning
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups frozen corn
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- optional garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil. After heating for about 30 seconds, swirl the skillet to coat the bottom.
- Add the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, mix in the pasta and frozen corn. Cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add the salt and pepper, adjusting seasonings to taste. Note: The goulash will thicken as it cools.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter dish.
Adjust the cooking time if you use a different type of pasta.
For extra flavor, consider adding some diced bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




