Goulash

Deciding what to make for dinner tonight? If you're debating between a pasta recipe or a thickened stew, try goulash. It's the best of both worlds! This hearty stew cooks in one pot, with macaroni pasta added at the end and cooked right in the sauce. We love the simplicity of a one-pot meal, and this goulash could not be easier! It requires minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and is ready in half an hour. What more could you want in a family meal?

What is goulash?

Goulash is a stew made of meat and vegetables, with different versions originating from central and eastern European countries. Commonly, most people think of Hungarian goulash: a stew of pieces of meat braised to ultimate tenderness in a paprika-laced broth with vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers. (Its finished result is reminiscent of a cozy beef stew.) This goulash recipe, however, is American style, using ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. It's kind of like the start of a good chili recipe! Once everything is cooked together, macaroni is added and cooked right in the sauce. The goulash is finished with a good amount of sharp cheddar cheese, giving it a creaminess and sharp bite. 

How do you make goulash?

Its really simple! Start by cooking the onion and browning the beef. Then you add the beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and seasonings to the pot and let it all simmer before you toss in the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, fold in the cheese, and it's ready to serve.

How long does it take to make goulash?

The best part about this dish is that it all comes together—from prep to finish—in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect dinner for those hectic back-to-school nights when you need to get a meal on the table quickly!

What side dish goes with goulash?

European-style goulash is commonly served alongside buttery noodles, dumplings, or just simply with bread and potatoes. This goulash recipe makes serving a complete meal even easier, by folding macaroni noodles right into the stew.