Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash

Why You’ll Love this Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash

Comfort in a bowl—that’s what this Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash delivers with every steaming spoonful.

You’ll appreciate how this classic dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The tender ground beef mingles with sautéed onions and mushrooms, creating a rich foundation that’ll remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s table.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together on busy weeknights, yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The tomatoes and green chilies add just enough kick without overwhelming the palate.

It’s economical, filling, and guaranteed to please even your pickiest eaters.

Recipe Information for Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash

Goulash is a comforting pasta dish with roots in American home cooking, combining simple ingredients in a one-pot method that makes it perfect for family meals.

The stovetop preparation allows flavors to meld together while maintaining the integrity of each ingredient.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Yield: 6 servings

What Ingredients are in Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash?

This hearty homemade beef goulash combines pasta, ground beef, and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce to create a satisfying one-pot meal. The blend of savory meat, tender pasta, and aromatic vegetables creates a comforting dish that has remained popular in American households for generations.

• 1 package pasta
• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the best results, consider using elbow macaroni or another short pasta shape that holds sauce well. The quality of your ground beef matters – extra lean (90/10 or 93/7) provides flavor without excess grease. While the recipe doesn’t specify seasoning beyond salt and pepper, some home cooks might consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to improve the flavor profile of this classic comfort dish.

How to Make this Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash

This hearty homemade beef goulash follows a simple cooking method that builds layers of flavor. The process begins with preparing the pasta separately while sautéing vegetables and browning the meat.

Everything comes together when the tomato elements are added, creating a rich, satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

1. Cook 1 package of pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 cup of diced mushrooms to the hot oil and sauté until tender and fragrant.
5. Add 1 lb of extra lean ground beef to the vegetables and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
6. Pour in 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato sauce and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomatoes and green chilies, stirring to combine.
7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly combine.
9. Heat the entire mixture through until everything is hot and well-incorporated.

For best results, consider using a premium Dutch oven which provides excellent heat retention and distribution for this hearty dish.

Once your goulash is perfectly cooked and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to consider how to serve this hearty dish to impress your family or guests.

How to Plate this Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash Like a Chef

While a hearty beef goulash tastes delicious regardless of presentation, elevating your plating technique transforms this humble dish into restaurant-quality fare that’s worthy of admiration before the first bite.

Choose a wide, shallow bowl to showcase your creation. Ladle the goulash into the center, creating a mound rather than filling the entire dish.

Take a clean spoon and make a gentle swirl on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a few sliced green onions for color contrast.

For extra flair, place a small slice of rustic bread on the rim. Voilà – you’re serving goulash like a pro!

Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash Substitutions and Variations

Although traditional beef goulash follows time-honored methods, the beauty of this hearty dish lies in its flexibility to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

You’ll find it’s incredibly versatile!

For protein options, consider ground turkey for a leaner profile or chunks of chuck roast for a more stew-like texture.

Vegetarians can swap in lentils or a robust plant-based crumble.

Don’t have mushrooms? Bell peppers add wonderful sweetness.

For spice-lovers, add paprika or cayenne to kick things up a notch.

Gluten-free? Substitute chickpea pasta or serve over cauliflower rice for a carb-conscious twist.

Every family creates their own signature version!

What to Serve with Hearty Homemade Beef Goulash

Three perfect side dishes can transform your hearty beef goulash from a satisfying meal to an unforgettable dining experience!

For a classic pairing, try a crisp cucumber salad with sour cream and dill, offering a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich, savory goulash.

You’ll also love crusty garlic bread, perfect for sopping up that delicious tomato sauce. The combination of warm, buttery bread with the tangy, meaty flavors is simply divine!

Finally, consider roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. They’ll complement the mushrooms in your goulash while adding vibrant color to your plate.

Final Thoughts

Satisfaction arrives in the most humble of dishes, and this beef goulash proves that point perfectly.

You’ll find this recipe strikes that delicate balance between simplicity and heartiness, offering comfort on even the chilliest evenings. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

What makes this goulash special isn’t fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—it’s the straightforward preparation that allows each component to shine.

When you serve this steaming bowl of pasta, beef, and savory tomato sauce, you’re not just offering dinner. You’re creating memories, one delicious spoonful at a time.