What are the main ingredients needed for a traditional goulash recipe?

A traditional goulash recipe typically includes beef chuck or stew meat, onions, paprika (both sweet and hot varieties), garlic, caraway seeds, bell peppers, tomatoes or tomato paste, and beef broth. Potatoes or noodles are often served alongside to complete the dish. Using high-quality paprika is essential, as it gives goulash its signature rich and smoky flavor. Slow cooking these ingredients together helps tenderize the meat and blend the flavors.

How long should I cook goulash to get tender meat?

For tender meat, goulash should be cooked low and slow. Simmering the dish on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for 2 to 3 hours is ideal. This allows the beef to break down and absorb the spices fully. If using a pressure cooker, you can reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes. Avoid boiling aggressively, as this can toughen the meat and make the sauce cloudy.

Can I make goulash in advance and reheat it?

Yes, goulash actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat to maintain the meat's tenderness and prevent the sauce from separating.

What variations of goulash can I try if I don't eat beef?

You can easily adapt goulash by using other proteins. Chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or turkey are excellent substitutes and work well with the classic paprika and onion base. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and lentils, and use vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times accordingly so vegetables remain tender but not mushy.

What side dishes pair well with goulash?

Goulash pairs well with a variety of sides that help soak up its flavorful sauce. Common choices include buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or crusty bread. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad complement the richness of goulash. Serving a dollop of sour cream on top also adds creaminess and balances the spices.

Goulash Recipe Quick And Flavorful Dinner In 30 Minutes

Name: Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced onion; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 pounds lean ground beef; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce; 2 cans (15 ounces each) of petite diced tomatoes; 3 cups beef broth; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Description

🍲 This Easy Goulash recipe offers a hearty, comforting meal packed with rich flavors and tender pasta.
⏱️ Perfect for quick dinners, it combines ground beef and tomatoes in a one-pot dish that’s satisfying and simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup diced onion

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 pounds lean ground beef

3 teaspoons minced garlic

2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce

2 cans (15 ounces each) of petite diced tomatoes

3 cups beef broth

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

3 bay leaves

2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1-Getting started: Begin by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth. This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling just 35 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick dinner.

2-First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and lean ground beef, cooking until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep things light and healthy. This step builds a solid base for the flavors.

3-Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook until it smells amazing, which only takes a minute or so.

4-Then, add the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Toss in the uncooked macaroni noodles and mix everything together. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.

5-Finally, remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey, delicious finish. Serve it hot, and you’ll have a meal that’s ready to enjoy.

Notes

🍅 Use a large pot to prevent overflow while cooking and stirring.
🥕 Add extra vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
🍗 Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein or use different small pasta shapes for variety.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 388 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 918 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 76 mg

Keywords: Easy Goulash, Quick Dinner, Hearty Meal, One Pot