The Best Goulash Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
Add the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece in the rich, savory mixture. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors marry.

Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with fresh parsley and shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Use Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a richer flavor without excessive grease.
Customize Your Seasonings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or extra Italian seasoning for a herbaceous twist.
Make It Creamy: For a creamy variation, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
One-Pot Option: If you prefer fewer dishes, cook the pasta directly in the sauce. Add an extra cup of broth and let the pasta simmer with the sauce until tender.
Meal Prep Friendly: Goulash tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.