Express Goulash
A quick and hearty American-style goulash with tender ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef, onion, and green pepper in a large skillet.
- Add cooked tomatoes, uncooked macaroni, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use canned tomatoes instead of cooked ones. You can also substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option. If you're out of ketchup, a mix of tomato sauce and a splash of vinegar can work well. Adding a dash of paprika can enhance the flavor. Consider adding some shredded cheese on top for a creamy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Express Goulash with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with our Favorite Cheese Ball as an appetizer. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's fully cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Express Goulash contains roughly 846 calories, with 16g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this goulash vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein. You might also want to add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
What type of macaroni works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for goulash, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Small shells or rotini work well too, as they hold onto the sauce nicely. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if using a different pasta.
How can I spice up this goulash?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mix. Alternatively, you can stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce just before serving to give it an extra kick.
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).