Easy Beef Goulash

Goulash is one of my favorite comfort foods. My mom used to make it all the time, so this beefy, cheesy pasta dish will always have a special place in my heart.

The classic beefy goulash my mom made will always be my first love, but I also love getting creative with it, making variations like this beefy taco goulash and spicy Southwest goulash.

This version takes my mom’s classic version and adds red pepper flakes for a little heat, zesty Tex-Mex seasonings, corn, and two cheeses to create a version that’s classic comfort food with a big, bold twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Limited Ingredients: It only takes a few simple kitchen staples to make this recipe.
• Super Easy: This recipe only takes a few simple steps and takes under an hour from start to finish.
• A Comfort Food Favorite: All the beef, tomato flavor, pasta, and cheese create the classic comfort food flavors we love in goulash.
• A Zesty Twist: Adding seasonings like oregano and basil, red pepper flakes, and cream of mushroom soup gives this goulash a flavorful, slightly spicy twist.
• Great for Meal Prep: This is a freezer-friendly recipe so you can make extra for future meals.
• Versatile: This is the perfect family dinner or addition to any potluck.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to make it your own.

Key Ingredients

You’ll find a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of mushroom soup adds depth and an earthy note without making the goulash creamy.
• Rotel: Rotel tomatoes add tons of tomato flavor with an extra kick.
• Seasonings: A blend of cumin, oregano, basil, and crushed red peppers creates a goulash with a slightly spicy, Southwest flavor.
• Corn: Corn adds color, flavor, and a further Tex-Mex feel.
• Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack makes this goulash nice and cheesy.

Variations

• Ground Beef: You can make this with a mix of ground beef and pork, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage for all kinds of variations.
• Mild: Omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version.
• Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
• Even More Tex-Mex Flavor: Try adding diced jalapenos, sliced black olives, and taco blend cheese or Mexican blend cheese for even more Tex-Mex flavor.

How to Make Easy Beef Goulash

This is a brief overview of the recipe. You can find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Cook the beef, onions, and garlic in a large saucepan or Dutch oven until the beef is brown. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Add all the ingredients except the pasta, cheese, and corn. Simmer until heated through, and the flavors have melded, adding the frozen corn in the last 10 minutes.
3. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Then, mix in cooked pasta. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Stir your beef, onions, and garlic constantly to avoid burning the onions and garlic.
• It’s important to drain your beef. Even lean ground beef will render some fat and can make your goulash greasy.
• Cook your pasta to al dente. If it’s too soft, it will break apart when you mix it into the other ingredients.
• Use a gentle folding motion to add the pasta. This helps avoid smashing it.

More Delicious Beef Dishes

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