Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish that has been loved by many families for generations. It combines simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This Easy Goulash Recipe is a great way to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
If you are looking for a quick, easy meal, this goulash recipe checks all the boxes. It’s not only delicious but also versatile. You can make it in under 30 minutes, and it is packed with flavor. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what’s on hand in your pantry. It’s a budget-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Easy Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 packet sloppy joes seasoning mix
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with hot water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef for about 3-5 minutes or until it turns brown. Drain any grease.
- In a small bowl, mash the undrained diced tomatoes and add them to the ground beef.
- Mix in the tomato soup, corn, sloppy joes seasoning, ketchup, and parsley.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni noodles to the pot. Mix in the shredded cheese and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with cornbread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Serve Easy Goulash
Serve the Easy Goulash warm in bowls. You can top it with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch. Pair it with cornbread or garlic bread for a delicious side.
How to Store Easy Goulash
To store leftovers, allow the goulash to cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Goulash
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition of the dish.
Variation
If you’d like a different twist, try using different pasta shapes like penne or rotini. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to create a unique flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover cooked pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Just add it to the pot when combining the other ingredients and skip the cooking step for the pasta.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure that the other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Enjoy making this Easy Goulash Recipe for a warm and hearty meal any night of the week!
Easy Goulash
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1.5 cups dry elbow macaroni pasta
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetables
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz) Mash before adding to the pot.
- 2 cans tomato soup (10.75 oz each)
- 1 can corn, drained (15.25 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 packet sloppy joes seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Dairy
- 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with hot water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef for about 3-5 minutes or until it turns brown. Drain any grease.
Cooking
- In a small bowl, mash the undrained diced tomatoes and add them to the ground beef.
- Mix in the tomato soup, corn, sloppy joes seasoning, ketchup, and parsley.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni noodles to the pot. Mix in the shredded cheese and simmer for 2 minutes.
Serving
- Serve hot with cornbread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
