This easy homemade goulash is made in one pot (including the noodles) in just 30 minutes. It’s a classic, family-favorite dish packed with tons of flavor!
Table of Contents
One Pot Goulash
The best thing about this recipe is that it’s an easy 30-minute meal made in just one pot. I love that you don’t have to cook the noodles in a separate pan. It’s perfect for those busy week nights. Another one pot favorite is my one pot burrito bowls, you’ll have to give that recipe a try as well!
Goulash is one of those comfort food recipes that the whole family will love. This recipe tastes just like the one my mom made for me when I was a child. I always loved when my mom made goulash growing up.
What is Goulash?
There are two types: Hungarian goulash and American goulash. Goulash originated in Hungary and is traditionally a hearty stew that consisted of cubes of meat, vegetables and spices (usually including paprika). The Hungarian version is definitely still loved by many, however this is an Americanized version.
American goulash has more of a tomato base and typically includes ground beef and macaroni noodles as well. My version of this recipe is considered an American goulash. If you’d like to try the original Hungarian version, check out this recipe.
How to Make Goulash
Scroll down for the printable goulash recipe and video tutorial.
- SAUTE. Cook beef, onion and peppers in large pot or dutch oven until brown (about 3-5 minutes). Drain the grease, then add in garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- SIMMER. Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, broth and tomato sauce and bring to light simmer. Then add in noodles, stir and cover with lid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- TOP. Salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with cheese and cover for about 1 minute, until cheese has melted. Then top with fresh basil.
TIP: Stir goulash every couple of minutes so that the noodles don’t stick!
Crockpot Version
You can easily make this recipe in the slow cooker if you prefer. I recommend cooking the ground beef ahead of time, then add all the ingredients to your crockpot and stir. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or low for 3 to 4.
Add the noodles the last 30 minutes of cooking. until noodles are tender. Remove lid and sprinkle on cheese. Cover with lid for about 1 minute, until cheese has melted. Then add fresh basil if desired and serve!
Storing + Freezing
- To store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on stove until warmed throughout.
- To freeze: Place in an 8×8″ metal tin and wrap with foil. Then place tin inside a ziptop bag and add a freezer label with the date. When ready to eat, place in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and then cook at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until hot. You could also top with more cheese before baking.
5 star review
“This is a recipe I’ve gone to several times. It is everything it promises, fast, easy, and delicious. Finally, if you don’t have something this recipe is forgiving and adapts easily to anything you have on hand. My picky family always gobbles it right up.”
-Leigh
More Easy One-Pot Meals
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Easy Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped red or orange bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt , such as Lawry’s
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 15 ounce can beef or chicken broth , add an extra cup if desired (see note)
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups dry elbow noodles
- Kosher Salt & Pepper , more to taste
For serving: (optional): shredded cheddar cheese and fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot, add beef, onion and peppers. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until brown. Drain any grease if needed. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce. Allow to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sweet corn and chicken broth. Bring to a light simmer and then add in noodles. Stir, and then cover with a lid. Allow to cook for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir halfway to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Taste and add salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese over top if desired and cover with the lid for one minute, or until the cheese has melted. Add fresh basil if desired. Serve while hot!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
So yummy!! I had no idea what Goulash was before, but now having tried it…obsessed! So cozy for Fall!
Isn’t it delicious? Definitely the perfect fall comfort meal. So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rachelle :)
I should have added more flavor because it was really bland.
We like spicy but I didn’t add it thinking this would bring out full flavor.
Any suggestions for next time.
I will make again in few weeks.
This time I won’t add just plain stewed tomatoes or Italian stewed tomatoes.
I will add Mexican stewed tomatoes and green chili together.
It’s okay for some that don’t like it hot..
I just need to switch it up with being from Albuquerque I knew better than to make it without spicy seasoning.
Hi Sylvia, for additional spice you can try adding in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Fire roasted tomatoes (instead of regular diced tomatoes) are another good option.
Thank you I will do that next time let you know how it turned out.
Thanks for sharing your recipe.
I made this recipe tonight and it was sooo good!!!! I will make this again for my family. I had leftover sloppy joe meat and used this for the meat. It turned out fantastic.
What a great way to use leftovers! So happy to hear your family loved the recipe, Lisa :)
I love this recipe! My son lives about 3 1/2 hours away and works a lot he called home last night and wants me to make some up and send it home with his fiancé. The only thing I do different is I add black olives and of course a big dollop of sour cream on top.
So happy to hear you and your son both love this recipe! :)