Hamburger Spaghetti Goulash
Hamburger Spaghetti Goulash is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, vegetables, and rich tomatoes, all simmered to perfection and served over tender spaghetti. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and those craving a satisfying, well-rounded plate with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop it into pieces.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook hamburger, chopped bacon, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms until the meat loses its color.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, sage, and chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Let the sauce simmer for some time to blend flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce.
- Simmer everything together for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some diced jalapeños for heat or substituting ground turkey for a leaner option. If you don't have canned mushrooms, fresh ones can be used instead, just sauté them with the other vegetables. To save time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti or even swap it out for a different pasta shape. This dish is great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen with time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger Spaghetti Goulash hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Scalloped Potatoes With Bacon And Cheese. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. This dish also freezes well, so consider portioning it out for a quick meal later on.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Spaghetti Goulash contains roughly 126 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Just reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or potlucks.
What can I use instead of spaghetti?
If you're looking to change up the pasta, consider using penne, rotini, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Each pasta will provide a different texture and flavor, making it fun to switch things up while still enjoying the goulash.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Hamburger Spaghetti Goulash, swap the hamburger for lentils or a meat substitute, and replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added texture.
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).