The Best Goulash Recipe

Mama’s old-fashioned goulash recipe was always a favorite in our house.

She would make it for special occasions, and it was always so delicious!

This is an old-fashioned Goulash recipe that is the best Goulash ever! It is a simple dish made with pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, and corn.

It is lightly seasoned and is a true comfort food. It is the perfect meal to make at any time of the year. It takes very little time.

Once everything is cooked through, you simply serve it up over some hot-cooked pasta.

So why not give it a try today? Your kids will love it!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why We Love This Dish

• Hearty: This dish is hearty, it is filling and it is super easy to make.
• Healthy: It is healthy, packed with vegetables, and really delicious.
• Easy the best goulash recipe for beginners.
• Simple the best goulash recipe meal.
• Family friendly the best goulash recipe is family friendly, a crowd pleaser for children and adults. 

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beaf: Swap for other meats like chicken or ground turkey for a heart-healthy alternative.

Frozen corn: Adds sweetness the kids will enjoy.

Tomatoes: Gives this dish its distinctive hearty flavor.

Cumin: Leave out or adjust down for those who don’t want spice in their meals!

Elbow macaroni: It doesn’t have to be macaroni – any pasta shape will do!

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Onion chopped
• Diced tomatoes undrained
• Frozen corn
• Tomato sauce
• Can diced green chilis
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make It

Cook the macaroni in advance to get a jump-start on your meal. Store the macaroni in the fridge and then add to the hot goulash when you’re ready – the goulash will warm it up quickly! When you’re draining the excess grease from the pan, you can either place the food in a colander and allow the grease to drain naturally, or use another method of your choosing.

If you’re looking for other ways to make this quick the best goulash recipe is one that can be prepared largely in advance. Cooking the meat and onions the day before makes it easy to throw all of these ingredients together when you’re home from work. If you happen to be making another meal with beef and onion sometime in the week, simply set aside beef and onion for your goulash.

How to make The Best Goulash Recipe:

Step 1. Boil the macaroni until it is done to your liking, rinse in cold water, and drain.

Step 2. Add the ground beef and onion to a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove, and cook until the meat is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the diced tomatoes, frozen corn, tomato sauce, green chilis, salt and pepper, and cumin. Stir to combine.

Step 4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5. Stir in the macaroni and cilantro, and stir to combine before serving.

Enjoy!

PIN FOR LATER!

Tips for Success

Don’t rush the step when you’re browning the meat. Getting the food cooked evenly is the key to success when making the best goulash recipe.

Cook the onions until they’re golden, not just translucent. This brings out a cartelized flavor that you’ll love.

Simmering the food slowly will help the flavors meld!

You don’t need to overload the recipe with too many tomatoes – strike a balance between beef and tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating

When the food has cooled to room temperature, it can be placed into an airtight container and then into the refrigerator. It will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

This dish can also be frozen by placing it in an airtight container and then into the freezer. Don’t put a hot dish in your freezer – be sure to cool it first. Goulash can remain in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw the goulash ahead of time by placing it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking again. Smaller portions thaw faster. If you’re thawing a large portion, you may need more than 24 hours.

Reheat the dish in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Goulash can be served with a side of vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic toast.

FAQs

What is Goulash?

Goulash is a Hungarian dish made with meat, paprika, and tomatoes. It is hearty and filling.

What is the difference between Hungarian and American Goulash?

Hungarian Goulash is made with pork or beef, American Goulash is made with ground beef.

What gives goulash its flavor?

Besides Paprika, there is a variety of spices used in this dish. The spices used are spices known as ‘warm’ spices.

Is goulash healthy the best goulash recipe version can be made more heart healthy by substituting beef for another meat. There’s a lot of protein and nutrients in goulash either way. 

Can Goulash be made ahead of time?

The goulash can definitely be made ahead of time. However, it is suggested that the goulash is made in two parts, on separate days. The meat and sauce mixture can be made and stored in an airtight container for a day ahead of time. The pasta should be made either the day you plan to serve the goulash or at most, the day before.

Notes

While basically all goulash is of course delicious and homemade the best goulash recipe ideas are ones that have memories attached to them. Serving goulash to family and friends creates comforting moments. When you serve goulash often enough, it becomes a part of your family traditions. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy winter night.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

Meat and Potato Casserole – You can enjoy your favorite flavors but make it at home.

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs – Put all ingredients together and boom!

Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs – Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Oven Baked Chili Dogs – Perfect for game day or summer potluck!