This Easy Beef Goulash is a recipe that will satisfy the entire family! Packed with flavor, this hearty meal is perfect for the cooler weather!
This Goulash recipe is actually one I made last year around this time! By the time I wanted to share it on the blog, it was mid-summer and about 100 degrees outside, so I didn’t think a “stew” type recipe was appropriate, ha-ha!
Years ago, I made a different version of this, however, it included macaroni pasta in it! After talking to friends one evening, they started talking about how the traditional Hungarian goulash actually was more of a stew versus pasta base and had potatoes in it!
Out of curiosity, I scanned through Google and Pinterest to see what traditional goulash included and to see how my original one differed. After several minutes of browsing, I realized I had made an American version, which was pasta based, however, the Hungarian version was completely different and looked amazing!
I decided to attempt the new version myself and have our friends over for what we called “Goulash Night”. After browsing several recipes, I took bits and parts of several and combined them into the version I now call “Easy Beef Goulash”. The end result was fabulous and even our friends, who had had an authentic version previously, loved it and said I nailed it!
The dish is very similar to beef stew in my opinion. A hearty, flavorful mixture that is loaded with tender beef and veggies. Since it has lots of hearty ingredients in it such as veggies and beef in it, you won’t need a side dish. It’s a full meal in itself! All you need are several simple ingredients, and you have a delicious, easy dinner! Even picky eaters will go for a second bite!
With Winter upon us, this easy recipe is a comforting meal to warm you up! Leftovers are just as delicious, and each batch makes plenty to serve a family!
Easy Beef Goulash Ingredients
- Butter
- Onions
- Paprika
- Beef
- Garlic cloves
- Red peppers
- Yellow pepper
- Diced tomatoes
- Carrots
- Potatoes, cut into chunks
- Beef broth
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
*For exact measurements see the full recipe card below
Easy Beef Goulash Directions
- In a Dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the onions and allow to simmer until they turn slightly golden, about 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in the paprika, beef, and garlic.
- Cook on medium heat until beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Add in the peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add in the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil, cover pot with lid, and reduce heat to medium low.
- Allow to simmer for about 40 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious dish!
*You can brown the meat for a few minutes prior to following the directions below, or follow as written, up to you based on how much time you have available!
Storing Leftover Beef Goulash
If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. Stored properly it can last up to three to four days. If you want to freeze it, it can last up to four to six months. This delicious dinner is perfect for busy weeknights to just grab and reheat!
Common Goulash Variations and Substitutions
- Green pepper: As you can see, this recipe already uses yellow and red peppers, so this is already a common ingredient. Using green won’t compromise the taste much but can add more color.
- Italian seasoning: This is entirely optional if you want extra flavor. If you’re a fan of this seasoning, it is okay to use it in your own version of this easy goulash recipe.
- Tomato sauce or tomato paste: This is sometimes used instead of fresh tomatoes.
- Elbow macaroni: Macaroni noodles are not required but are an option if you want to try it the next time you want to try a new pasta recipe.
- Red pepper flakes: Add this to your goulash if you want to add a kick of heat
- Ground turkey: After the holidays and you have tons of leftover turkey, you can make this dinner recipe and replace the beef with turkey.
Other Delicious Beef Based Recipes
Here are a few great options if you love beef-based recipes or simply have a lot of beef you need to use before it goes bad!
- Best Ever Beef Stew
- French Onion Beef Sliders
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Mom’s Vegetable Beef Barley Soup
I’d love to hear what you think of this easy beef goulash recipe! Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag me over on Instagram if you’ve made this recipe (or any of the others) so I can see what you’ve cooked up! You can also use #thecookinchicks too!
Easy Beef Goulash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 2 onions, diced
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 1/2 lbs beef, cut into chunks *chuck roast is what I use, choose what cut you want to use
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the onions and allow to simmer until they turn slightly golden, about 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in the paprika, beef, and garlic.
- Cook on medium heat until beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Add in the peppers and cook an additional 5 minutes.
- Add in the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil, cover pot with lid, and reduce heat to medium low.
- Allow to simmer for about 40 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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