Goulash with Egg Noodles
A hearty, one-pot American comfort food classic. Tender ground beef and soft egg noodles simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce with a hint of paprika. Perfect for a cozy family dinner and ready in under an hour.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Beef and Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Drain off any excess grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- e.Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Sauce
- b.Sprinkle the sweet paprika and Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 30-60 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- c.Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Add the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together until well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Goulash
- b.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- c.Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Noodles
- b.Uncover the pot, give it a good stir, and add the dry egg noodles.
- c.Stir to submerge the noodles in the sauce. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer.
- d.Cover the pot again and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- e.If the goulash becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- d.Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef. The fat adds richness to the sauce.
- 2Don't overcook the noodles. They should be al dente as they will continue to soften in the hot sauce upon standing.
- 3This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- 4Goulash freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Goulash
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices for a kick of heat.
Creamy GoulashCreamy Goulash
Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the very end (off the heat) for a richer, creamier sauce.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Sauté 1 diced bell pepper (any color) and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef and enriched egg noodles are good sources of B vitamins, including B12 and niacin, which are crucial for energy production and neurological health.
Source of Iron
This dish contains heme iron from the beef, a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this goulash contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and whether you add cheese.