Savory Goulash in a Flash
This easy goulash recipe goes together in a matter of minutes using simple, easy-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
An easy dinner meal made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, canned tomatoes, corn kernels, and a handful of simple seasonings. It’s a dinner everyone will love and it gets in and out of the kitchen in no time! Plus it cooks up in one pot so cleanup is a breeze!
Add on a couple of simple sides and you’re good to go! We love these cheesy bacon cornbread muffins or Jiffy cornbread with it and a simple veggie. Try these easy green beans or this classic 7-layer salad.
Table of contents
Easy Goulash
I love this “recipe” (and I think you will too!) because…..
- Easy to store ingredients. Most of what you need are pantry staples.
- Twenty minutes from start to finish! Great for busy weeknights when time is short and you need to get dinner together in a flash.
- Family-friendly dinner. This dish is one the whole family will devour! It’s hearty and satisfying and always a crowd pleaser.
- Budget-friendly ingredients. If you need a dish to make that won’t break the bank — this is it!
Goulash Ingredients
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the pasta commonly used to make this goulash recipe. Of course, you can always swap it for another type of short pasta.
- Ground beef: A budget-friendly option in this easy dinner recipe. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Diced tomatoes: Petite diced work best as their size blends in better with the pasta and ground beef.
- Tomato soup: Canned tomato soup makes an easy flavoring for this recipe.
- Corn: We are using canned corn to make this an easy pantry staple meal. You can also use frozen corn. Add about 1 ½ cups of thawed frozen corn instead.
- Sloppy joes seasoning mix: You can use your favorite but I use McCormick.
- Ketchup: For a bit of sweetness and more tomato flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a bit of cheesy flavor to the goulash.
Kitchen Tools
To make goulash, you will need a large pot or I use a Dutch oven so that I can make everything in one large pot.
How To Make Goulash
Making a pot of American-style beef goulash requires only a few steps and goes together super quick! Plus it’s easy enough for any level cook to make. Here’s an overview of the main steps.
- Cook. The pasta according to the package directions. When cooked, drain it in a colander and set them aside.
- Brown. The ground beef in a large pot for about 3-5 minutes or until brown. Be sure to drain off any grease after cooking.
- Mash. The canned tomatoes with the juice in a small bowl.
- Add. The mashed tomatoes to the cooked ground beef.
- Mix in. The tomato soup, corn, sloppy joes seasoning, ketchup, and parsley.
- Combine. The cooked macaroni with the beef mixture and add the shredded cheese.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook your pasta — cook just to al dente. It will cook a bit more when combined with everything else.
- Use lean or extra-lean ground meat for a healthier option!
- Drain off any excess grease in the pan after browning the meat.
- Serve up with extra cheese on top and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goulash is a stew or one pot meal. There is a Hungarian version made with beef and flavored with paprika. American goulash is an easy meal made with ground meat and pasta in a seasoned tomato sauce.
The beauty of the dish is that it’s mostly a one pot meal. But cornbread or biscuits go well to soak up extra juice and a vegetable makes it a more balanced meal.
Serve With
Add on a vegetable, bread, and a tasty beverage for a complete meal! Here are some of our favorites.
Storing & Reheating
- Store. Leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze it too for up to three months but the pasta may be a bit mushy when reheated after freezing.
- Reheat. In a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a bit of water to thin it out.
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More Comfort Food Recipes
Did you try this Goulash recipe?
Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. I love hearing about your experience making it and it also helps anyone else making the recipe too!
Easy Goulash Recipe
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 can tomato soup
- 1 15.25 oz can corn, drained
- 1 packet sloppy joes seasoning mix, I use McCormick
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain & rinse with hot water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, cook ground beef for about 3-5 minutes or until brown. Drain any grease.
- In a small bowl, mash the undrained diced tomatoes. Add the mashed tomatoes to the ground beef.
- Mix in tomato soup, corn, sloppy joes seasoning, ketchup, and parsley.
- Add cooked elbow macaroni noodles. Mix in shredded cheese and simmer for 2 minutes. Serve with cornbread or garlic bread.
Notes
- Don’t overcook your pasta — cook just to al dente. It will cook a bit more when combined with everything else.
- Use lean or extra-lean ground meat for a healthier option!
- Drain off any excess grease in the pan after browning the meat.
- Serve up with extra cheese on top and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
- Store. Leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze it too for up to three months but the pasta may be a bit mushy when reheated after freezing.
- Reheat. In a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a bit of water to thin it out.
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