Hey y'all! If you’re craving a warm, comforting dinner that comes together with pantry staples and packs a punch of flavor, this Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni is just what you need. It's hearty, saucy, and loaded with tender beef and pasta—making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or those days when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- Ready in under an hour with easy-to-find, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Hearty and filling—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping.
- Balanced flavors from savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender pasta.
- Easily customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
- One-pot for minimal clean-up and maximum flavor infusion.
Ingredients for Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions: Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
Step 2: Build the Goulash Base
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to combine, ensuring all browned bits are scraped from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add Elbow Macaroni and Simmer
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened. Test the macaroni for doneness after 12 minutes—cook a little longer if needed.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 2 minutes to let it melt. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- For a richer flavor, swap beef broth for bone broth. Learn more about broth types here.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Ladle off some sauce before adding pasta if you prefer a thicker, less soupy goulash.
Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni Variations
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella or pepper jack for extra ooey-gooey goodness.
- Veggie Packed: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach in Step 1 with the onions.
- Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture.
Required Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
Store cooled goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pasta may soften after freezing but the flavor stays delicious!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra richness.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
Pro Tips for the Best Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- Use freshly minced garlic for maximum aromatic flavor—learn about cooking with garlic.
- Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and meld flavors (read more about the benefits of resting dishes).
FAQ: Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Macaroni
- Can I use another type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with small shells, rotini, or penne—just adjust cook time as needed.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your broth for gluten-containing ingredients.
- How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
- Be sure to simmer just until al dente and avoid overcooking; pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it rests.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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2Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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3Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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4Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
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5Remove from heat. If desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot and enjoy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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