If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta. This is pure weeknight magic: a hearty mix of savory beef, tender pasta, and bright tomato flavors, all tied together with a sprinkling of cozy spices. Every bite of this nostalgic comfort food is packed with flavor, a touch of nostalgia, and the kind of simplicity that makes it a staple in kitchens everywhere.

Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta is just how approachable the ingredients are. Each element plays a role in building that signature hearty, saucy hug-in-a-bowl you’ll want to make again and again.

Ground beef: The meaty backbone of the dish, offering a rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
Elbow pasta: Tiny tubes that soak up the sauce perfectly and bring that classic goulash feel.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth that builds the flavor right from the start.
Garlic: A punch of aromatic goodness that infuses every forkful with irresistible flavor.
Diced tomatoes: These give the goulash some fresh, chunky tomato texture and a little brightness.
Tomato sauce: Makes the base extra saucy and unifies the flavors.
Beef broth: Lends a robust, comforting richness so the sauce isn’t just tomato-based, but deeply savory.
Paprika: Smoky, a bit sweet, and totally essential for that goulash signature.
Dried oregano: A hint of herbal earthiness to balance the other flavors.
Salt: Pulls all the flavors together beautifully—taste as you go!
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a savory finish.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For those who love an extra-decadent, melty topping—absolutely worth it!

How to Make Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and add your ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a sturdy spoon so it’s crumbly rather than clumpy. Cook until it loses its pink color and picks up a little golden brown flavor. If there’s excess fat in the pot after browning, drain it away to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With your beef still in the pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion softens and everything smells absolutely incredible. This quick step infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic base.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine—your pot will look colorful and delicious already! Bring it all to a gentle simmer so the flavors can start mingling and create that signature goulash richness.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow pasta right into the pot. Stir well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce, then cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, giving it a stir every so often so nothing sticks. The pasta will absorb all those fabulous flavors as it becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is thick and comforting, remove the pot from the heat. If you like, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for just a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into gooey pools right over your Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta.

How to Serve Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta

Garnishes

For a final flourish, add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving. A dash of extra black pepper or a few red pepper flakes add kick, while a dollop of sour cream offers cool, tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

When serving Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta, keep it simple with buttered rolls or crusty bread for sopping up any extra sauce. A crunchy green salad with a zippy vinaigrette adds freshness, or try some roasted green beans for a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this goulash in big, hearty bowls, or get playful by ladling it into bread bowls for a fun twist. For potlucks, bring it in a slow cooker to keep it hot. Want to wow kids? Sprinkle extra cheese on each serving and let them stir to create their own melted topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The flavors meld overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch genuinely crave-worthy.

Freezing

This dish is a champion freezer meal. Scoop cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, slightly undercook the pasta if you know you’ll be freezing a batch.

Reheating

To reheat, either microwave individual servings or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and top with fresh cheese if you like that extra melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow pasta is classic, you can swap in shells, rotini, or penne for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on cooking time and add a splash more broth if needed.

Is Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta spicy?

Not at all as written—paprika brings smoky depth, not heat. If you love a spicy kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap ground beef for your favorite plant-based substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is still cozy and full of flavor.

How can I make this meal dairy-free?

Very easily: just skip the cheddar topping or use your go-to dairy-free shredded cheese. The base goulash itself contains no dairy.

Does Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta meal prep well?

It absolutely does. You can cook a big batch, portion into containers, and enjoy it for several days—it reheats like a dream and keeps its hearty, saucy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the pure comfort and simplicity of Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta—it’s a warm welcome home after any day. Give it a try soon, and you just might find it earns a top spot in your family’s regular dinner rotation!

Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Elbow Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Goulash recipe is a comforting dish with seasoned ground beef, elbow pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow pasta to the pot. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Serve: Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Notes

You can customize this goulash by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American