Easy Beef Goulash
A hearty and flavorful beef goulash with tender noodles, savory tomato sauce, and onion soup, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot.
- Brown the hamburger until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle uncooked egg noodles evenly over the cooked beef.
- In a separate bowl, combine water, tomato sauce, and dry onion soup mix.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the noodles and beef.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Add additional water as needed during simmering to prevent sticking or dryness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the hamburger. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. To enhance the dish, sprinkle in some paprika or Italian seasoning. Using whole wheat egg noodles can also increase the nutritional value while maintaining the comfort of this easy beef goulash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef goulash with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw for added crunch and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the goulash to prevent it from drying out. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Beef Goulash contains roughly 742 calories, with 20g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value) and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat for this goulash?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to hamburger. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat to maintain the dish's integrity.
What can I do if my noodles are sticking together?
If the noodles begin to stick during cooking, add a little more water to the pot and stir gently. You can also reduce the heat to avoid boiling over, which helps keep the noodles separate.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare goulash in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors often improve after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).