Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni
Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Soul Food Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min
Cost: $17.37 total, $2.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (Dry, about 8 oz)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Water (Tap water)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 15‑ounce cans Tomato Sauce
- 2 14‑ounce cans Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Bay Leaves (Dried)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 tablespoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 0.5 tablespoon Seasoned Salt
- 0.5 tablespoon Salt
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all liquids, spices, and pasta.
Time: PT5M
Brown Ground Beef
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with ½ tbsp salt and ½ tbsp black pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Add Water and Beef Broth
Pour in 1 cup water and 2 cups beef broth, stir, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a light boil.
Time: PT3M
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
Time: PT2M
Simmer First 15 Minutes
Add the bay leaves, cover the Dutch oven, reduce heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Add Macaroni and Finish Cooking
Uncover, stir in 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, re‑cover, and simmer another 15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Time: PT15M
Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then ladle the goulash into bowls and serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains Gluten, Contains Meat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Any short pasta, Small shells
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth, Bouillon cube + water
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce + a dash of vinegar
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Dried thyme
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano + dried basil (½ tbsp each)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Seasoned Salt: Regular salt + garlic powder + paprika
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven (6‑8 qt)
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef to develop flavor.
- Simmering the sauce with bay leaves before adding pasta.
- Cooking the macaroni in the sauce until tender without over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
- Use a mix of 80% lean and 90% lean beef for a balance of flavor and leanness.
- If you prefer a spicier goulash, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
Troubleshooting
The sauce is too thick before adding the macaroni.
Stir in an extra ½‑1 cup of water or broth until the desired consistency is reached.
The pasta is undercooked after the final simmer.
Cover and continue to simmer in 2‑minute increments, checking for doneness each time.
The dish tastes bland.
Adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags or containers; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.
- This goulash freezes well; portion and label before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef goulash in American comfort food cuisine?
American beef goulash is an adaptation of the Hungarian stew, simplified with ground beef and elbow macaroni. It became popular in the U.S. as an affordable, one‑pot comfort dish that families could prepare quickly, especially during the mid‑20th century.
How does traditional Hungarian goulash differ from the American beef goulash featured on Soul Food Cooking?
Traditional Hungarian goulash uses cubed beef, paprika, and often no pasta, simmered for hours. The American version swaps cubed beef for ground beef, adds elbow macaroni, and relies on tomato sauce and Worcestershire for quick flavor development.
What regional variations of goulash exist within United States cuisine?
In the Midwest, goulash often includes beef broth and carrots; in the South, it may feature a spicier kick with hot sauce. Some versions replace macaroni with rice or use ground turkey for a lighter take.
On what occasions is beef goulash traditionally served in American households?
Beef goulash is a go‑to weeknight dinner, potluck staple, and comfort food for cold evenings. It’s also popular for game‑day gatherings because it can be made in large batches and kept warm.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic Hungarian goulash versus the Soul Food Cooking version?
Classic Hungarian goulash relies on beef chuck, sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, and sometimes caraway seeds. The Soul Food Cooking version uses ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and elbow macaroni, reflecting American pantry staples.
What other American comfort‑food dishes pair well with beef goulash from Soul Food Cooking?
Serve the goulash with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or steamed green beans. A side of cornbread also complements the rich tomato‑based sauce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef goulash from Soul Food Cooking?
Common errors include not browning the beef enough, over‑stirring during the first 15‑minute simmer (which can break down the sauce), and adding the pasta too early, which leads to mushy noodles.
Why does this beef goulash recipe use a Dutch oven instead of a regular saucepan?
A Dutch oven provides even heat distribution and a tight‑fitting lid, which helps the flavors meld during the covered simmer and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Can I make the beef goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the goulash can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.
What does the YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that celebrate classic Southern and American comfort foods, often using simple one‑pot techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Soul Food Cooking focuses on budget‑friendly, quick meals with step‑by‑step narration and minimal equipment, emphasizing flavor depth through pantry staples rather than exotic ingredients, which sets it apart from more gourmet‑oriented channels.
What other popular American comfort‑food recipes are the YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking known for?
Soul Food Cooking is also known for recipes like Chicken and Dumplings, Classic Mac & Cheese, Southern Fried Chicken, and Easy Beef Chili, all presented with clear visuals and home‑cooking tips.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
