Name: Bobby Flay's Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh); 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 cup elbow macaroni; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for cooking

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If there’s one dish that can turn a regular dinner night into a heartwarming family gathering, it’s Bobby Flay’s Goulash. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to a crowd, this goulash has the perfect balance of tender ground beef, savory spices, and a luscious tomato base. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell absolutely divine!

Goulash has always been a go-to in our house for busy weeknights. It’s one of those magical dishes where the effort feels minimal, but the result is nothing short of spectacular. Plus, it’s made in one pot, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation. Let’s dive in and start cooking!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First things first, grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven—this is going to be your trusty companion for the whole recipe. Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. The sizzle as the vegetables hit the pot is music to any home cook’s ears!

Stir everything occasionally, letting the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness. After about 5 minutes, your kitchen should already be smelling amazing—thank the garlic for that! This step builds the foundation of flavor for the whole dish, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, it’s time to add the star of the dish—ground beef. Push the sautéed veggies to the side of the pot and add the beef directly to the center. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Within 7-10 minutes, the beef should be beautifully browned.

If you notice excess grease in the pot, feel free to drain it carefully. You want the final dish to be rich but not overly oily. This step locks in the hearty, meaty base of the goulash, so take a moment to season the beef lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.

Step 3: Add a Burst of Spice and Tomato Goodness

Here’s where the magic truly starts to happen! Sprinkle the browned beef with paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and another dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the beef and veggies are fully coated in the warm, earthy spices.

Now, it’s time to introduce the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. These add depth and richness, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta later on. Stir well, making sure the tomato paste dissolves completely into the mix. At this point, your pot should look like a colorful tapestry of goodness—and smell even better.

Bringing the Goulash Together—Simmering and Perfecting the Dish

At this point, your pot is bursting with rich, savory aromas that hint at the comforting dish to come. Now it’s time to bring all those incredible flavors together and let the magic happen. The next steps involve simmering the goulash to perfection, cooking the pasta right in the same pot, and adding those little touches that make this dish unforgettable.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Pasta

This is where the one-pot wonder really shines. Pour the beef broth into the pot, stirring gently to combine it with the tomato base. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then add the elbow macaroni. Yes, the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up all the deliciousness along the way.

Once the liquid starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. If you notice the mixture getting too thick before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash of water or extra broth to keep things saucy.

Why This Step is Crucial

Cooking the pasta directly in the broth achieves two things:

It infuses the macaroni with all the amazing flavors of the goulash, making every bite incredibly tasty.
It thickens the sauce naturally as the starches from the pasta release into the broth.

This step transforms the dish from a simple stew to a perfectly balanced, hearty one-pot meal.

Step 5: The Final Touches

After about 15 minutes, check the pasta—it should be tender and plump, having absorbed all those bold, savory flavors. Give the goulash a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of black pepper is all it takes to make the dish sing.

For an extra kick, you can sprinkle in a bit more paprika or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. And if you’re feeling fancy, stir in a handful of shredded cheese at this stage—it’ll melt right into the sauce, creating an irresistible creamy texture.

Pro Tip: Want to add a pop of freshness? Toss in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens up the dish and balances the richness beautifully.

Variations to Try

While this goulash is absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up based on your preferences:

Make it Smoky: Add a touch of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Amp up the Veggies: Throw in a handful of fresh spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the simmering step for extra nutrition.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Once your goulash is ready, it’s time to dish it up. Ladle the steaming, saucy mixture into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream all work beautifully.

Pair it with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.

FAQs and Conclusion—Making the Most of Bobby Flay’s Goulash

Now that your goulash is ready and filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, let’s address some common questions to ensure your cooking experience is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, leftovers, or serving ideas, we’ve got you covered.

FAQs About Bobby Flay’s Goulash

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require slight adjustments.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Goulash is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions with a little added liquid to prevent the pasta from drying out.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the broth and tomato paste are also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be naturally gluten-free.

5. What protein substitutions can I use?
If you’re looking to switch things up, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work beautifully in this recipe. The spices and tomato base are versatile enough to complement any protein.

6. Can I freeze goulash?
Absolutely! Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid to refresh the sauce.

7. What can I serve with goulash?
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’d like sides, consider a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some garlic bread.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bobby Flay’s goulash is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With its one-pot convenience and rich, hearty taste, it’s a meal that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this goulash checks all the boxes.

I can’t wait for you to try it out! When you do, feel free to get creative—add your favorite ingredients, tweak the spices, or make it your own in any way. And don’t forget to share your results in the comments or with friends and family.

Here’s to cozy meals, happy hearts, and dishes that bring us all a little closer. Enjoy your bowl of goulash—it’s comfort in every bite!