Italian Ground Beef Goulash is a spin on a classic that everyone’s going to love. Goulash is comfort food at it’s finest and makes the perfect anytime meal!
There are as may recipes for goulash as there are people that make it. You’re going to love this Italian Ground Beef Goulash recipe. It’s simple to make and delicious to eat!
What in the heck is goulash?
Wikipedia defines goulash as: is a stew of meat, usually seasoned with paprika and other spices.
Well, my mama didn’t have this definition. Her recipe was ground beef cooked with onions, some elbow macaroni, and tomato juice. Salt and pepper were her spices. Paprika would have been a foreign word. As simple as she made it, we LOVED it! Especially with a piece of store-bought white bread smeared with butter on the side.
Goulash is comfort food regardless of how you define it. With the weather getting cooler, I was craving me some goulash…Julie style (whatever that means). Actually, I like using spices and spice blends. Spice blends are a great way to add a spice profile without having to buy 9 different kinds of spices. Two of my favorites are Italian and Herbs de Provence. You can also use your favorite pasta. I used Cavatappi because it has little ridges that hold all that saucy goodness. It’s also a little thicker so it will not get mushy.
This is a simple recipe that makes it perfect for a weeknight meal. I have a pretty consistent habit of cooking more than we can eat. This recipe is also perfect for freezing.
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
Italian Ground Beef Goulash is a spin on a classic that everyone's going to love. Goulash is comfort food at it's finest and makes the perfect anytime meal!
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 carrots sliced thin
- 3 celery stalks sliced thin
- 1 green pepper diced
- 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes **crushed by hand
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 32 oz beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 16 oz Cavatappi pasta *cooked
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus additional for garnish
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped as an additional garnish if desired
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In a large skillet or dutch oven combine ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink. Remove beef and onion from the pan and set aside. Add carrots, green pepper, and celery to the beef juices and cook until they just start to soften. Don't overcook.
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Drain meat juices from the pan if necessary. Add all remaining ingredients back into the pan except for the cooked pasta. Stir to combine and let cook until extra juices cook down. Add pasta and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve in bowls and top with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
*Cook pasta at least one minute less than the directions state. It will continue to cook when combined with the other ingredients.
**Crush tomatoes by hand or chop with a knife.
Truthfully there are as many goulash recipes as there are people that make it. I don’t even know if they have “goulash” in Italy but I know that they have versions using the same ingredients regardless of what they call it. What is your version? I’d love it if you would share!
I get how tough it can be to cook for the family when you’re working and everyone has their activities. Here are a few more recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat.
Spicy Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe
Healthy Shrimp Fettucine Recipe
One-Pan Sausage Bulgur Wheat Recipe
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Well this definitely got my attention! Italian goulash… but it does look good, and the ingredients are wonderful. I just won’t tell my Hungarian friend I’m making this!
Thank you Mimi! I’d love her Hungarian goulash recipe. I’m sure it’s amazing.
I love all those yummy chunks of goodness!
Thank you! It’s been chilly and has me craving comfort food!
My mom made goulash when I was a kid, and it was one of my favorites. I love this recipe and think it’ll make a wonderful dinner!
Thank you, Debi! It was definitely one of my favorites too!
Our family recipe uses a can of tomato soup. Ive tried eliminating it, but then the recipe isnt nearly as good! I like the Italian twist on your variation. I think it will be great to serve for the MLB playoffs tomorrow! (Go Dodgers!)
Thank you, Michele! This would be a great recipe to grow out for those comfort food lovers (like me!)
This looks so delicious! I cannot wait to make it for our next family get together next week. Yum!!
Thank you Kathy! We loved it and freeze it when I go overboard (all the time).
Goulash is the best! I can’t believe I have never tried making it!
Thank you, Madi! So easy and we all loved it.
I look forward to making this recipe! A big bowl of “Julie Style” goulash sounds like the best kind out there! Delicious meal, beautiful picture!
Thank you, Debra! I can just never leave good enough alone!
It’s been so long since I’ve made goulash and I don’t think it was Italian-style. I love the hearty and chewy texture of Cavatappi pasta that you added! Great family meal!
Thank you Sandra!
You’re right about this being comfort food. Everything about it makes me feel happy and warm inside. Thanks for [email protected]
Thank you, Lily! I’m sure it’s getting a little chilly in your neck of the woods!
Wonderful comfort meal my friend! It has been so cold lately and this is exactly the kind of meal ive been craving! Another incredible recipe~
Thank you Angela! Isn’t it funny how we crave different foods once it gets chilly? Have an amazing day!
This goulash sounds like really great comfort food! 🙂
Thank you, Nancy! It is!
Oh my, this is definitely comfort food at it’s best! I’ve always loved goulash and your recipe is fantastic. Everyone in my family asked for seconds.
Thank you, Joanie! I’ve got a batch in the freezer for another meal. Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by!
This is a great recipe! Just what you want for the cold weather!
Thank you, Jennifer! I’m all about comfort food right now too!
I love goulash!! An Italian version sounds sublime!! We love our pasta! We will be trying very soon!
Thank you, Michaela! Perfect for fall comfort food!