Ground Beef Goulash Recipe

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Main Courses
Beef Goulash in a Dutch oven and a bowl

When the craving for something hearty and comforting strikes, this beef goulash recipe is sure to hit the spot. A classic dish with roots in Hungarian cuisine, this version simplifies things with accessible ingredients and an easy process, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavorful ground beef, tender pasta and a medley of veggies, this hamburger goulash combines rich, savory tastes with satisfying textures in every bite.

What is Beef Goulash?

Traditional goulash is a stew or soup with a robust base of beef and spices. This ground beef goulash offers a modern twist on the classic, using lean ground beef for a quick, easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. A blend of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and beef broth creates a rich, tangy base, while paprika and Italian seasoning infuse the dish with layers of warmth and depth. It’s the ultimate easy recipe for goulash that feels like a hug in a bowl.

How to Make Beef Goulash

Preparing this beef goulash recipe is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Start by sautéing mushrooms, onions, garlic and bell peppers in a little olive oil until tender. These veggies not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also add a pop of color and a serving of vegetables to your meal.

Next, cook the ground beef until browned, then combine it with seasonings, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and uncooked whole wheat pasta. A bay leaf adds a subtle hint of earthiness as everything simmers together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

The finishing touch? Stirring in reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, which adds a creamy, cheesy richness that takes this goulash recipe to the next level.

What to Serve with Goulash

This hamburger goulash is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to round out the dinner table, here are some pairing suggestions:

Customizing Your Goulash

One of the best things about this easy recipe for goulash is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or use up what’s in your fridge. Here are a few customization ideas:

  • Swap the Protein: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Experiment with Spices: Add cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
  • Use Different Pasta: While whole wheat elbow pasta works wonderfully, feel free to substitute with penne, rotini or gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Boost the Veggies: Incorporate zucchini, spinach or corn to make it even more nutrient-dense.

Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe

Not only is this ground beef goulash delicious and easy to prepare, but it’s also nutritionally balanced. Each serving contains lean protein from the ground beef, fiber-rich whole wheat pasta and a variety of vegetables.

At just 458 calories per serving, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies without overindulgence. Plus, with a cook time of less than an hour, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

On a Nutrisystem program? You can count each serving as two SmartCarbs, two PowerFuels, two Extras and one Vegetable serving.

Cozy Comfort Food

This beef goulash recipe is especially satisfying during the cooler months when you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping during the busy holiday season. Serve it up at a casual gathering or as a family dinner on a chilly evening—it’s sure to please everyone around the table.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this best goulash recipe is a must-try. Its combination of simple ingredients, bold flavors and hearty appeal makes it a go-to comfort food. Plus, the flexibility to customize and adapt means you can make it your own every time.

So, grab your Dutch oven, and let’s get started on how to make beef goulash that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 458

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 SmartCarbs, 2 PowerFuels, 2 Extras and 1 Vegetable

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth, low sodium
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce, no salt added
  • 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1 cup dry whole wheat elbow pasta
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat

Directions:

  1. Heat a Dutch oven or skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil. Add mushrooms, onions, garlic and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add the ground beef to a pan and cook until no longer pink.
  3. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta, cooked vegetables (from step 1) and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until pasta is soft.
  4. Remove bay leaf and stir in the cheddar cheese.
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