Ground Beef Goulash Recipe

This Ground Beef Goulash recipe is an easy, old-fashioned comfort food dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Everything cooks together in one pot for a hearty meal that's filling, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Also known as American goulash, this recipe is very different from traditional Hungarian goulash. The American version combines ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and simple pantry seasonings into a cozy one-pot meal.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Goulash

This recipe is perfect when you need an inexpensive dinner that doesn't require a lot of prep or dishes. The pasta cooks directly in the tomato and beef broth mixture, soaking up all that savory flavor.

It's also:

Ready in under an hour

Made in one pot

Budget-friendly

Easy to make with pantry staples

Filling enough for the whole family

Great for leftovers

Easy to customize with extra cheese or vegetables

Ingredients

You'll need:

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Ground Beef Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Drain any excess grease.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Goulash Sauce

Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni

Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the beef and tomato mixture.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.

Simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.

The goulash is ready when the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened.

If the pasta absorbs the liquid too quickly before becoming tender, add a small splash of beef broth or water.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted.

Let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the ground beef goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

For an extra cheesy dinner, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar over each serving.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Goulash

Increase the cheddar to 2 cups, or combine cheddar with mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.

Ground Turkey Goulash

Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.

Vegetable Goulash

Add diced bell peppers with the onions or stir in corn, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Spicy Goulash

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Tips for the Best American Goulash

Don't overcook the pasta. Since the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, check it toward the end of the cooking time so it stays tender rather than mushy.

Stir occasionally. Pasta can settle on the bottom of the pot and stick.

Use freshly shredded cheese. It generally melts more smoothly into the hot goulash than pre-shredded cheese.

Let it rest before serving. Five minutes gives the pasta time to absorb more of the sauce and creates a thicker consistency.

Adjust the liquid if necessary. Different pasta brands can absorb slightly different amounts of liquid.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Goulash

Because American goulash already contains beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese, you don't need much on the side.

Try serving it with garlic bread, buttery dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple side salad.

Garlic bread is especially good for soaking up the extra tomato and beef sauce.

How to Store Ground Beef Goulash

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keep in mind that the macaroni will continue absorbing some of the sauce while refrigerated, so leftovers may be thicker than the freshly prepared goulash.

How to Reheat Goulash

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout.

For larger portions, place the goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth, tomato sauce, or water if it has become too thick.

Stir occasionally until heated through.

Can You Freeze Ground Beef Goulash?

Yes. Ground beef goulash can be frozen, although the pasta may become slightly softer after thawing.

Place cooled goulash in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American goulash?

American goulash is a one-pot dish typically made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings. Some versions also include cheese.

It is sometimes called American chop suey, depending on the region.

Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?

No. They are different dishes.

Hungarian goulash is traditionally a meat-and-vegetable dish strongly associated with paprika and does not resemble the macaroni-and-ground-beef dish commonly called American goulash.

Do you cook the macaroni before adding it?

No. For this recipe, the uncooked macaroni goes directly into the goulash and cooks in the tomato sauce and beef broth.

This makes the recipe easier and allows the pasta to absorb more flavor.

What ground beef is best for goulash?

An 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef works well. If you use a higher-fat beef, drain the excess grease after browning.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or small penne can work, although cooking times and the amount of liquid required may vary.

How do you thicken goulash?

Letting the finished goulash rest uncovered for several minutes is usually enough. The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits.

If it still seems too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few additional minutes.

Why is my goulash dry?

The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected or the goulash may have cooked too long. Stir in a little additional beef broth or tomato sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Easy Ground Beef Goulash

This easy Ground Beef Goulash recipe is the kind of dinner worth keeping in your weeknight rotation. Ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, savory seasonings, and melted cheddar come together in one pot for classic American comfort food without a complicated ingredient list.

Serve it hot with garlic bread and save the leftovers—the flavors are just as comforting the next day.