This Is the Best Goulash Recipe: One of My Childhood Favorites That I Still Make

There’s something about the smell of simmering tomatoes, paprika, and ground beef that instantly takes me back to my childhood kitchen. My mother’s goulash — a one-pot meal full of hearty ingredients and humble flavors — was more than just dinner. It was comfort. It was tradition. And it always brought the family together around the table. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly to fit modern tastes, but the heart of it remains the same. This is the best goulash recipe — easy, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.

What Is American Goulash?

While Hungarian goulash is a stew made with beef and rich paprika broth, the American version is a one-skillet pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings. It’s a staple of Midwestern kitchens and school lunches alike. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food — a cross between spaghetti and chili mac, but with its own unique flavor and texture.

Why This Goulash Recipe Is the Best

  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and ground beef.

  • Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour.

  • One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes and more flavor as everything cooks together.

  • Nostalgic Flavor: The taste of home, with a balance of savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons paprika (preferably sweet Hungarian)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)

  • 3 cups beef broth or water with bouillon

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity — optional but recommended)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat evenly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for about 10 minutes uncovered.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth.

Step 5: Optional Cheesy Finish

Once the pasta is cooked and the goulash is thick and hearty, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you love a creamy, cheesy finish, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This adds a luscious richness that’s especially appealing for kids (and adults with a love for cheese).

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the goulash into bowls and top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve with warm bread or a side salad if desired.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze: Freeze cooled goulash in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Endures

Every bite of this goulash takes me back — the soft pasta, the robust meat sauce, the warmth of paprika lingering in the background. It’s a dish that doesn’t rely on trendy ingredients or fancy techniques. It just works. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something that feels like home, this is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.