Simple One-Pan American Goulash: A Classic, Easy Recipe for Comfort Food

Benefits and Advantages of Goulash Recipe

The goulash recipe is particularly effective due to its ease of preparation, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. This dish combines simple cooking techniques with rich flavors, allowing it to be made quickly without sacrificing taste. From a health perspective, goulash offers a balanced meal as it often includes lean meats, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy spices, providing essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability; it can be modified to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options, without compromising on its signature taste. These advantages make the goulash recipe a versatile, nutritious, and convenient choice for home cooks seeking a satisfying yet wholesome meal.

Essential Ingredients for Goulash Recipe

Here are the key ingredients needed for a classic and flavorful goulash recipe:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (15 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (blend of basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Each ingredient contributes to the balanced flavor, texture, and nutrition of the goulash. The optional bell pepper adds freshness and nutrients, while the seasoning and broth build depth. This list can be adapted based on dietary needs and taste preferences.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Goulash Recipe

Goulash is quite flexible and can be modified to fit various dietary requirements:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep it fully vegan.
• Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free beef broth and ensure all seasonings are free from gluten-containing fillers. Use gluten-free pasta or substitutes like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
• Low-Fat: Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken breast to reduce fat content.
• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to manage sodium intake.
• Added Vegetables: Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, green beans, or baby spinach.

These substitutions allow you to enjoy goulash tailored to your health goals or dietary restrictions without losing its hearty, comforting essence.

How to Prepare the Perfect Goulash Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté diced onion and green bell pepper (if using) for a few minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Mix well.
6. Add uncooked elbow macaroni noodles and stir to combine all ingredients.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low or medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
8. Adjust consistency: If sauce is too thick or pasta isn’t done, add a bit more broth or simmer uncovered to thicken.
9. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving or sprinkle on top. For a baked version, transfer to oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

This straightforward method guarantees a delicious, comforting goulash that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

For a tasty pasta alternative, try our Baked Mac and Cheese recipe, which pairs well with goulash flavors.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For a successful goulash recipe, choose high-quality lean ground beef for rich flavor and reduced fat. Browning the meat thoroughly enhances taste and texture by developing a caramelized crust. Slow simmering allows the ingredients to meld harmoniously, tenderizing the beef and deepening the sauce.

Consider adding fresh vegetables like corn, peas, or baby spinach for extra nutrition and color. For a creamy twist, stirring in a cup of sour cream just before serving adds richness. To accommodate different proteins, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner dish.

Spice variations include increasing Italian seasoning or adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth. Baking the goulash with shredded cheddar cheese on top in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes curls the cheese into a golden, bubbly crust, perfect for special occasions.

How to Store Goulash Recipe: Best Practices

Proper storage preserves the flavor and texture of your goulash:

• Refrigeration: Cool the goulash completely and store in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. It keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Divide goulash into meal-sized portions and freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Goulash stays good frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Tips: Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve the quality and safety of the dish.

Nutritional Value of Goulash Recipe

This balanced dish provides a good source of protein and fiber alongside essential vitamins and minerals. Adjust seasoning and salt to fit dietary sodium needs.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Goulash Recipe

Simple One-Pan American Goulash: A Classic, Easy Recipe for Comfort Food

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten (contains pasta), Not suitable for vegetarian/vegan

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Description

🍲 This simple one-pan American goulash offers a hearty, comforting meal with rich flavors and easy preparation.
🥘 Combining ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 pounds lean ground beef
3 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano blend)
3 bay leaves
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper (if using), and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
4. Add uncooked macaroni noodles and stir to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low or medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add more beef broth if needed to adjust consistency.
6. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving or sprinkle on top and serve hot.
8. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles for a baked variation.

Notes

🧑‍🍳 Use a large pot or 12-inch cast iron skillet for even cooking and ample serving size.
🍗 Substitute ground turkey for leaner protein to reduce fat content.
🥕 Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, or spinach to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One-Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: American Goulash,One-Pan Meal,Comfort Food,Easy Goulash