Hearty and Flavorful Ground Beef Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic

Ground beef goulash is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a simplified take on traditional goulash, making it an easy weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor. This recipe features browned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and fragrant spices. Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a complete and delicious meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef is an affordable protein, making this a cost-effective meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the vegetables and spices to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Goulash tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Beef:** The star of the show! Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to avoid excess grease.
* **Onion:** Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
* **Bell Peppers:** I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for color and flavor, but any color will work.
* **Garlic:** Essential for adding a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture and acidity.
* **Beef Broth:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
* **Paprika:** A key spice in goulash, adding a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. Use sweet paprika for a mild flavor or smoked paprika for a more intense smoky taste. Hungarian paprika is also excellent if you can find it.
* **Caraway Seeds:** These add a distinctive earthy and slightly licorice-like flavor that’s characteristic of goulash. Don’t skip them!
* **Dried Marjoram:** Adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Bay Leaf:** Infuses the sauce with a delicate flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory umami flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Egg Noodles:** For serving. You can also use mashed potatoes, rice, or spaetzle.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sour cream, fresh parsley, or chopped green onions.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make delicious ground beef goulash:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Dice the onion and bell peppers.
* Mince the garlic.

**2. Brown the Ground Beef:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Drain off any excess grease.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**4. Build the Sauce:**

* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This will deepen the flavor of the sauce.
* Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds, dried marjoram, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**5. Simmer the Goulash:**

* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**6. Cook the Egg Noodles (or other side):**

* While the goulash is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

**7. Finish and Serve:**

* Remove the bay leaf from the goulash.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* Serve the goulash over the cooked egg noodles.
* Garnish with sour cream, fresh parsley, or chopped green onions, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier goulash.
* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
* **Use different meat:** You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth.
* **Add potatoes:** For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the goulash during the simmering process. Make sure they are diced small enough to cook through in the allotted time. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well.
* **Thicken the sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cooked egg noodles before serving.
* **Instant Pot Version:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the noodles. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Stir in cooked egg noodles before serving.
* **Add a splash of red wine:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the remaining ingredients. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would work well.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamy and tangy twist. Don’t add it while the goulash is simmering, as it may curdle.
* **Don’t forget the bay leaf:** It might seem insignificant, but the bay leaf adds a subtle but important layer of flavor to the goulash. Make sure to remove it before serving, as it’s not edible.
* **Use high-quality paprika:** The quality of the paprika can significantly impact the flavor of the goulash. Look for Hungarian paprika or smoked paprika for the best results.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the goulash throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
* **Let it rest:** Like many stews and braised dishes, goulash tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together and deepen.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Egg Noodles:** The classic choice! Serve the goulash over cooked egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are another great option for soaking up the rich sauce.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice all work well with goulash.
* **Spaetzle:** These small German dumplings are a delicious and authentic accompaniment to goulash.
* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze goulash in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat goulash in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat goulash in the microwave on high, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (estimated, per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Please note that nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Ground Beef Goulash Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
* Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh parsley, chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, caraway seeds, dried marjoram, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the bay leaf from the goulash.
9. Serve the goulash over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with sour cream, fresh parsley, or chopped green onions, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting ground beef goulash! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.