Easy Goulash Recipe

Easy Goulash Recipe

from spendwithpennies.com
45 min
8 servings

Goulash is a simple skillet dinner with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce. It's a perfect comfort food on a budget!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 ounce jar)
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water, more as needed)
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices, 1 can)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced, optional)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf (2 if they are small)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked, about 8 ounces)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese, optional)

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.

  2. 2

    Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  3. 3

    Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

  5. 5

    Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.