Margaret Lee's Easy Beef Goulash

Warm, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors, Margaret Lee's Easy Beef Goulash is the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Tender, seared beef cubes are simmered in a rich, spiced tomato broth infused with paprika, cumin, and oregano, creating a savory base that's both aromatic and deeply satisfying. Elbow macaroni is cooked directly in the flavorful sauce, soaking up all those luscious juices, while a hint of fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep time, this simple yet soul-warming dish is ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you're craving a classic beef goulash or on the hunt for an easy dinner idea, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and family-friendly appeal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear the beef on all sides until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the onions in the spices.

Step 5

Return the seared beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the beef broth, and add the tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 7

After 45 minutes, add the dry elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well and cook uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let the goulash sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1996.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2552.0

Total Fat 137.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 325.5mg	0%
Sodium 5877.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 26.9g
Protein 133.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 366.6mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 3464.4mg	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: 47.6%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 31.8%