Hamburger Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic with Endless Variations

Hamburger goulash, a hearty and comforting dish, is a budget-friendly and family-pleasing meal that’s incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to use ground beef and pantry staples to create a flavorful and satisfying dinner. Think of it as a simplified version of traditional goulash, adapted for busy weeknights and using readily available ingredients. This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily customize it to your own tastes with different vegetables, spices, and toppings.

## What is Hamburger Goulash?

While it shares the name “goulash” with the traditional Hungarian stew, hamburger goulash is a distinctly Americanized version. Traditional goulash is a meat stew, typically made with beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, simmered for a long time to develop rich flavors. Hamburger goulash, on the other hand, is a quicker and simpler dish, usually made with ground beef (hamburger), tomatoes, pasta (often macaroni), and a blend of seasonings. It’s often considered a one-pot meal, making it perfect for easy cleanup.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef and pantry staples like pasta and canned tomatoes make this a very affordable meal.
* **Easy to Make:** It’s a straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or pasta shapes.
* **Comforting:** The warm, savory flavors and hearty texture make it a perfect comfort food dish.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Most kids love the combination of ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Minimal cleanup is always a win!
* **Great for Leftovers:** Hamburger goulash tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make hamburger goulash. Don’t be afraid to adjust amounts based on your preference.

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor, but leaner works too).
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped (optional, but adds great flavor and nutrients).
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce.
* **Beef Broth:** 2 cups of beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor).
* **Elbow Macaroni:** 1 cup of elbow macaroni (or other small pasta shape).
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth of flavor).
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary).
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (or any cooking oil).
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, green onions.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying hamburger goulash.

**1. Brown the Ground Beef:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a boil.

**4. Add the Pasta and Simmer:**

* Stir in the elbow macaroni.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of pasta you use, so check it for doneness.

**5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**

* Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or paprika to your liking.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the hamburger goulash hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh parsley.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your hamburger goulash:

* **Use Different Ground Meat:** You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for the ground beef. Consider Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the goulash a little kick.
* **Use Different Pasta:** You can use other small pasta shapes, such as ditalini, small shells, or rotini, instead of elbow macaroni.
* **Add Beans:** Kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans can be added for extra protein and fiber. Add them along with the diced tomatoes.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Add a Bay Leaf:** Simmering the goulash with a bay leaf adds a subtle but noticeable depth of flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs whenever possible. Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley will add a vibrant flavor to the dish. Add them towards the end of the cooking time.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on your slow cooker.
* **Instant Pot Version:** Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Turn off the sauté function. Add the garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Break the macaroni into smaller pieces to avoid the *burn* warning. Stir well, making sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Stir well before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Hamburger goulash is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete the meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome accompaniment to pasta dishes.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful side dishes.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover hamburger goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freezer:** Hamburger goulash can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Hamburger Goulash**

A hearty and comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup elbow macaroni
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

**Notes:**

* For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* You can substitute ground turkey or ground sausage for the ground beef.
* Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, along with the onion and bell pepper.

## Conclusion

Hamburger goulash is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. With its hearty flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of homemade hamburger goulash!