Ken's Goulash

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, Ken’s Goulash is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. This one-pot classic combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like paprika, oregano, and basil. Bright pops of diced green bell pepper and sautéed onion add texture and depth, while a simmer in rich beef broth melds everything together beautifully. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic meal or trying a new crowd-pleaser, Ken’s Goulash is sure to deliver! Perfect for meal prep and leftover-friendly, this recipe is a true dinnertime staple.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 4

Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

After 20 minutes of simmering, stir the cooked macaroni into the goulash. Mix well to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Step 9

Simmer the goulash for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2748.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3099.9

Total Fat 181.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.5g
Cholesterol 436.9mg	0%
Sodium 6742.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.2g	0%
Total Sugars 47.0g
Protein 152.4g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1227.3mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 3592.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.2%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 28.3%