Why You’ll Love this Hearty Goulash
There are three main reasons you’ll fall in love with this hearty goulash recipe.
First, it’s incredibly simple—just pasta, ground beef, and veggies that come together in minutes. Perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Second, the versatility is unmatched. Don’t have mushrooms? Skip ’em. Want it spicier? Add more chilies. This dish bends to your mood and pantry situation without complaint.
Finally, the comfort factor. Something about the combination of pasta and savory beef in tomato sauce wraps around you like your grandmother’s afghan on a chilly night.
Who doesn’t need that kind of comfort sometimes?
What Ingredients are in Hearty Goulash?
When it comes to comfort food, simplicity often reigns supreme, and this hearty goulash recipe is the perfect example. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly satisfying. This classic dish relies on pantry staples and a few fresh items that combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
The rich tomato base, tender pasta, and savory beef create that nostalgic flavor that makes goulash a perennial family favorite.
- 1 package pasta
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of goulash lies in its adaptability. Can’t find extra lean ground beef? Regular ground beef works just fine—just drain off some of the excess fat after browning. Not a fan of mushrooms? They’re completely optional.
Some home cooks might want to add a clove or two of minced garlic for extra flavor, or a sprinkle of paprika for a more traditional Hungarian-inspired touch. And while the recipe doesn’t specify a pasta type, elbow macaroni is traditional, though rotini or penne work wonderfully too, catching all that savory sauce in their ridges and curves.
How to Make this Hearty Goulash
Making this hearty goulash couldn’t be simpler, and it all comes together in just a few easy steps. Start by cooking 1 package of pasta according to the package directions—getting this right means perfectly al dente pasta that will hold up in the finished dish.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 medium diced onion and 1 cup of diced mushrooms. Let these vegetables sauté until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. There’s something so satisfying about watching vegetables soften and release their flavors, don’t you think?
Next, add 1 pound of extra lean ground beef to the skillet with your sautéed vegetables. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 8 minutes, depending on your stove.
Once the meat is cooked through, it’s time to add the 6-ounce can of tomato sauce and the 15-ounce can of tomatoes and green chilies, giving everything a good stir to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy here, proper seasoning makes all the difference.
Finally, drain your cooked pasta and add it back to the pot, then pour in your beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything together gently and heat through for another minute or two. The pasta will absorb some of that rich sauce, creating that classic goulash texture we all remember from childhood.
Serve it up in deep bowls, and watch as everyone at the table falls silent with that first comforting bite.
Hearty Goulash Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility makes this hearty goulash recipe a true kitchen staple, perfect for using whatever ingredients you might’ve on hand. I often swap ground turkey or chicken for beef when I’m watching calories, and nobody notices the difference. Vegetarians? Simply use plant-based crumbles.
Don’t have mushrooms? Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots work beautifully. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or use spicy diced tomatoes. My husband prefers it with elbow macaroni, but rotini holds the sauce nicely too.
Sometimes I toss in shredded cheese just before serving. Makes it deliciously gooey, like a pasta-meets-casserole situation.
What to Serve with Hearty Goulash
A complete meal centered around this hearty goulash deserves thoughtful sides that complement its rich flavors without overwhelming the star of the show.
I’ve found that a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. Crusty garlic bread? Non-negotiable for sopping up that delicious sauce.
For a heartier spread, try roasted vegetables—brussels sprouts or carrots work beautifully.
Sometimes I’ll serve a small bowl of sour cream on the side; a dollop on top of the goulash adds a tangy contrast that makes each bite sing. Can you believe how something so simple elevates the entire meal?
Final Thoughts
This cherished goulash recipe has stood the test of time in my household, bringing comfort to weeknight dinners and gathering rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. I love how versatile it is—sometimes I’ll toss in bell peppers or swap mushrooms for zucchini when my garden’s overflowing.
What makes this dish special isn’t just its hearty flavors but how it brings people together. There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of pasta and beef that encourages conversation and slows down our hectic lives. Isn’t that what comfort food should do? Nourish both body and soul.
Hearty Goulash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and mushrooms, sautéing until tender and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until thoroughly browned with no pink remaining, approximately 8 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and can of tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the drained pasta to its pot, then add the beef and tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot in deep bowls.
