Last autumn, I joined a community clean-up day in our neighborhood park. After pulling weeds and picking trash alongside a dozen neighbors, including my college roommate who now lives in the city, we were famished and ready to share a meal.

⁠

Someone suggested I bring goulash, and I thought it would be a cozy crowd-pleaser. When I arrived, the smell of sautéed onions and garlic in my pan attracted curious glances; by the time I stirred in crushed tomatoes and macaroni, the group hovered around the picnic tables, eager for a taste.

My husband, who usually prefers subtle flavors, declared this dish “comfort in a bowl” and asked for seconds. My son, mid-scoop with a shy grin, said it reminded him of a school cafeteria favorite, only better. My daughter, who’s always searching for protein-packed meals, loved the lean ground beef and rich tomato sauce.

We passed around the large skillet right on the picnic bench, each bowl warm with steamy noodles and that smoky paprika aroma. As we finished, neighbors commented on the satisfying simplicity and homely taste. That day, under the crisp sky, goulash became more than dinner, it was a shared moment that turned strangers into friends, all over a bubbling pan of pasta and beef.

Short Description

Hearty one-pot goulash with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni simmered in savory spices, perfectly simple and family-friendly.

Key Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups elbow macaroni
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Finish

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Tools Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons and cups
Colander (for pasta)
Cheese grater (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 lb ground beef, breaking it apart until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in diced green and red bell peppers and cook another 2–3 minutes until peppers begin softening.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Seasoning
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp each oregano and basil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Simmer
Fold in 2 cups elbow macaroni, ensuring noodles are coated. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Melty Cheese Option
(Optional) Sprinkle 2 cups cheddar on top during the last few minutes of simmering. Cover until melted.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of cheese or parsley if desired. Serve right away.

Tip: If mixture is too thick before pasta cooks, stir in ¼ cup water or broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Comfort Food: One-pan meal that fills bellies and warms hearts

Simple & Budget-Friendly: Basic pantry ingredients with big flavor payoff

Kid-Approved: Mild spices and creamy sauce make it popular with all ages

Customizable: Add cheese, switch pasta, or toss in veggies

Quick Clean-Up: No extra pots, just a skillet that practically cleans itself

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Watery Sauce
Issue: Too much liquid after simmer.
Solution: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Mushy Pasta
Issue: Noodles overcook during simmer.
Solution: Check pasta at 15 minutes—stop when al dente.

Flat Flavors
Issue: Sauce tastes bland.
Solution: Adjust with extra paprika, salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire.

Uncooked Veggies
Issue: Peppers too crunchy or raw.
Solution: Sauté peppers for full 2–3 minutes before adding sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette

Add a crisp side salad (caesar or garden) for balance

Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or shredded cheddar on top

Pack for leftovers—goulash tastes even better the next day

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Cool, then transfer to airtight container; lasts 3–4 days

Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months

Reheat (Stovetop): Gently reheat over medium-low, adding splash of water if needed

Reheat (Microwave): Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time to preserve texture

FAQs

1. Can I swap ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey works well. Drain any excess moisture and adjust seasoning.

2. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free elbow pasta and gluten-free tomato sauce for a GF version.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the simmer stage.

4. How spicy is it?
Very mild, adjust by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste.

5. Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely, just reheat slowly to preserve texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Brown beef in batches to avoid crowding and soggy meat

Use crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs for extra flavor

Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent sticking

For creamier texture, stir in a splash of half-and-half at the end

Let it rest briefly before serving so flavors meld and pasta absorbs sauce

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Goulash:
Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar before simmer ends. Cover until melted.

2. Smoky Goulash:
Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and crumbled bacon for bold depth.

3. Veggie Goulash:
Include a cup of cooked veggies—spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

4. Italian Goulash:
Swap paprika for Italian seasoning and sprinkle basil and Parmesan before serving.

5. Creamy Goulash:
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream during last simmer for a rich, velvety sauce.

Final Thoughts

That afternoon in the park showed me how a simple skillet and shared meal can bring people together. Old-fashioned goulash is warm and nostalgic, but flexible enough to fit weeknight routines or unexpected potlucks. It’s exactly the kind of food my family loves—practical, comforting, and familiar with a twist.

If you’re looking for a dish that satisfies both stomachs and spirits, this one’s got you covered.

Hearty Old-Fashioned Goulash