Name: Classic Goulash
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 2 pounds lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 3 cups water; 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning; 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, or to taste; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Prep Time:

8 mins

Cook Time:

27 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

8

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This easy goulash recipe is quick, easy, and wonderfully satisfying.

How to Make Goulash

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Goulash Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade goulash recipe:

Onion and oil: Cook a large, chopped yellow onion in olive oil.
Beef: Add two pounds of lean ground beef to the cooked onion. You can use ground turkey if you like.
Tomato products: You’ll need two cans of diced tomatoes and two cans of tomato sauce.
Sauces and seasonings: This easy goulash is flavored with fresh garlic, soy sauce, dried Italian herb seasoning, salt, and bay leaves.
Macaroni: Cook two cups of elbow macaroni in the simmering meat sauce.

Learn more: What Is Goulash?

How Do You Make Goulash?

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated goulash:

Cook the onion in oil, then add the ground beef and cook until brown. Add garlic.
Stir in the water, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in uncooked noodles, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender.

How to Make Goulash In a Crock-Pot

You can easily cook this stovetop recipe in the slow cooker. Here’s how:

Preheat a slow cooker on High.
Make the recipe through Step 1.
Place browned beef and onion mixture into the preheated slow cooker.
Mix in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves.
Add uncooked macaroni and stir until thoroughly combined.
Cook on High for 1 hour.

How to Store Goulash

Store your leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Goulash?

While you can freeze goulash for up to two months, we don’t recommend it as cooked pasta tends to change texture during the freezing and thawing process.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This is easy to make and my family loves it,” according to Brandy Camren. “The flavor is really brought out by the bay leaves. I’ve made it with and without.”

“Awesome recipe,” raves Cindy McDonald. “The flavors marry together nicely. My family asked that I enter this recipe into our rotation arsenal!”

“Very good base for exploration,” says Rick Presley. “Added mushrooms and kidney beans. This is a great cold-weather comfort dish.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups water
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning
1 tablespoon seasoned salt, or to taste
3 bay leaves
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat until it is evenly browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 3 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stir in uncooked macaroni, cover, and simmer over medium heat until pasta is tender, 11 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and serve.

KGora

Slow Cooker Version:

Preheat a slow cooker on High. Make the recipe through Step 1; place browned beef and onion mixture into the preheated slow cooker. Mix in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves. Add uncooked macaroni and stir until thoroughly combined. Cook on High for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

476	Calories
26g	Fat
32g	Carbs
27g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 476
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g	33%
Saturated Fat 10g	49%
Cholesterol 85mg	28%
Sodium 1476mg	64%
Total Carbohydrate 32g	12%
Dietary Fiber 4g	15%
Protein 27g
Vitamin C 17mg	87%
Calcium 97mg	7%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 900mg	19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.