Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion to the pot — cook 5 minutes until soft
Stir in garlic — cook 30 seconds until fragrant
Stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper — cook 1 minute to bloom the spices
Don’t skip blooming — it deepens the flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste — cook 1 minute
Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth
Bring to a gentle simmer
Step 4: Add Pasta & Simmer
Stir in uncooked macaroni
Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
Pasta is tender
Liquid is absorbed and saucy
Sauce is thick and clinging to the noodles
No separate boiling needed — the pasta cooks right in the sauce.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let sit 5 minutes — helps it thicken
Taste and adjust salt and pepper
Serve hot — each bite should be hearty, saucy, and comforting
Top with:
A sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan
A dollop of sour cream
Or just a spoon — it’s that good
Leftovers? Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth — never microwave (kills the texture).
Pro Tips for the Best Goulash Every Time
Use crushed tomatoes
Better texture than diced
Don’t overcook the pasta
It’ll keep softening as it sits
Add broth, not water
Richer flavor
Let it rest before serving
Sauce sets and flavors meld
Make it ahead
Tastes even better the next day
Delicious Variations to Try
Vegetarian
Use lentils or plant-based crumbles + vegetable broth
Spicy
Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Cheesy
Stir in cream cheese or Velveeta for a creamy version
Loaded with veggies
Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach in the last 5 mins
Crockpot version
Brown beef, then simmer 4–6 hrs on low
Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Meals Aren’t Complicated — They’re Just Hearty and Homey
We think great food needs time, skill, and a long ingredient list.
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