simple goulash recipe with Smoky Melted Cheddar Pockets

Name: simple goulash recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Hungarian-American
Ingredients: 900 g (2 lb) beef stew meat, cut into 1.5 inch cubes; 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil or vegetable oil; 2 large onions (approx 400 g / 14 oz), finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 30 ml (2 tbsp) sweet paprika; 15 ml (1 tbsp) smoked paprika; 5 ml (1 tsp) caraway seeds, crushed; 5 ml (1 tsp) dried marjoram; 60 g (2 tbsp) tomato paste; 400 g (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 700 ml (3 cups) beef broth or vegetable broth; 5 ml (1 tsp) fine sea salt, or to taste; 2.5 ml (0.5 tsp) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 150 g (5 oz) smoked cheddar cheese (100 g cubed, 50 g grated for garnish); 15 g (0.25 cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Quick & Easy Simple Goulash Recipe: Your New Go-To for Hearty Family Dinners

I know how challenging it can be to get a truly comforting meal on the table after a long day. But this simple goulash recipe brings with it the savory aroma of slow-cooked beef and the delightful surprise of smoky, melted cheddar. It’s a hearty, easy dinner idea perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying meal without the fuss. I often make a big batch on Sunday for delicious, ready-to-go weeknight meals.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Ingredients & Smarter Substitutes

Beef stew meat (900 g / 2 lb): cut into 4 cm / 1.5 inch cubes, provides a rich, meaty base for the stew.
Olive oil or vegetable oil (30 ml / 2 tbsp): for searing the beef to develop deep flavor.
Large onions (2, approx. 400 g / 14 oz): finely diced, caramelize beautifully for a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Garlic (4 cloves): minced, adds essential pungent depth.
Sweet paprika (30 ml / 2 tbsp): for authentic flavor and a lovely reddish hue.
Smoked paprika (15 ml / 1 tbsp): enhances the smoky notes, especially with the cheddar. (I often use a little extra if I’m feeling bold!)
Caraway seeds (5 ml / 1 tsp): crushed, provides a subtle, warm, aromatic spice. (Or skip if not a fan; it’s a unique flavor.)
Dried marjoram (5 ml / 1 tsp): offers a mild, slightly floral herbaceous note.
Tomato paste (60 g / 2 tbsp): adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Diced tomatoes (400 g / 14.5 oz can): undrained, forms the juicy base of the goulash.
Beef broth or vegetable broth (700 ml / 3 cups): liquid for slow cooking and tenderizing the beef. (Homemade beef broth for a richer taste, or low-sodium store-bought is great too.)
Fine sea salt (5 ml / 1 tsp): or to taste, essential for seasoning.
Freshly ground black pepper (2.5 ml / 1/2 tsp): or to taste, for a hint of warmth.
Smoked cheddar cheese (100 g / 3.5 oz): cut into 1.5 cm / 0.6 inch cubes, creates gooey, flavorful pockets.
Smoked cheddar cheese (50 g / 1.5 oz): freshly grated, for garnish. (Or sharp cheddar if smoked isn’t available.)
Fresh parsley (15 g / 1/4 cup): finely chopped, for vibrant garnish.

Healthier Choices for Your Family

Choose leaner cuts of beef stew meat or trim visible fat to reduce saturated fat content, making this a healthier dinner option. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the overall sodium intake in your simple goulash recipe. Selecting organic onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes when possible supports cleaner eating habits.

Adapting Your Goulash

For a dairy-free meal, omit the smoked cheddar cheese or substitute it with a high-quality dairy-free cheddar alternative. To add extra vegetables, stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also sauté diced bell peppers or carrots with the onions for added nutrition, making this simple goulash recipe incredibly versatile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare & Sear Beef (10-15 mins): Pat beef stew meat thoroughly dry; season with 2.5 ml / 1/2 tsp salt and all black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove seared beef; set aside. This deep browning is key for flavor.
Build Aromatics (12-18 mins): Reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. They will smell sweet and look golden. If browned bits stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze and scrape them up easily.
Toast Spices & Paste (3 mins): Add minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, crushed caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste; cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and smell richer.
Simmer the Stew (2-2.5 hours): Pour in 120 ml / 1/2 cup beef broth, scraping the pot’s bottom. Return seared beef, diced tomatoes (undrained), and remaining beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender. The liquid will bubble gently.
Melt Cheddar Pockets (5-10 mins): Once beef is tender, stir in the cubed smoked cheddar cheese. Continue to cook, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted into gooey pockets throughout the stew. You’ll see delightful streaks of creamy, smoky flavor.
Finish & Serve (5 mins rest): Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt, if needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle this rich and hearty simple goulash recipe into bowls, ensuring some melted cheddar pockets are showcased. Garnish with grated smoked cheddar and fresh parsley.

Appliance Hacks for Simple Goulash

For a slow cooker adaptation, sear beef and sauté onions/spices on the stovetop first. Then, combine them with tomatoes and broth in your slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender. Stir in the cubed smoked cheddar during the final 30 minutes. This creates an incredibly easy dinner. A pressure cooker offers a quick meal prep recipe: sear, add ingredients (minus cheese), and cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes.

Quick Fixes

If your simple goulash recipe becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For more flavor, taste and adjust seasonings like salt or smoked paprika, or add a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the profile.

Best Serving Situations

This easy weeknight dinner truly brings comforting flavor to the table quickly, making it a stellar option when time is short. It’s perfect for cozy family meals or a satisfying lunch that keeps everyone happy and full. This dish also makes a crowd-pleasing option for potlucks and casual gatherings where you want something hearty and familiar.

Delicious Pairings

Sides: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast, a simple green salad, or steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Toppings: Enhance with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Drinks: Complement with iced tea, a light red wine, or sparkling water.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days. This makes it ideal for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Gains

This dish offers significant nutrition and lifestyle benefits. It’s protein-packed, keeping you full and satisfied with lean meat, making it an excellent choice for managing hunger. As a balanced meal, it smartly combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one convenient pot, perfect for quick family dinners.

This is a family-friendly comfort food classic loved by all ages, and it’s also weight-loss friendly because it’s easy to portion and customize with leaner ingredients. It stands out among healthy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on flavor and is excellent for weight loss meal prep when portioned correctly. This versatile recipe can be adapted for quick gluten-free dinners or easily modified for keto, low-carb, or plant-based eating patterns, fitting various healthy eating goals.

Budget & Meal Planning Perks

Our simple goulash offers fantastic budget advantages, costing an estimated $2-$3 per serving, which is significantly cheaper than most takeout options. You can further boost savings by buying ground beef in bulk, using store-brand pasta and canned goods, and looking for seasonal vegetables.

With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of 25-30 minutes, this means a total time of just 40-45 minutes for a complete, satisfying family meal. It’s perfect for doubling the recipe for batch cooking, making it an ideal choice for weekly meal prep to provide lunches and dinners.

Ingredient Sourcing & Online Shopping

Where to Find Your Goulash Ingredients

Most ingredients are readily available at local supermarkets or through online grocery delivery services like Instacart, which offer great convenience and save time.
For organic options, check specialty stores; for fresh produce like onions and garlic, your regular grocer works perfectly. Frozen peas or corn can be added straight to the pot.
Canned goods like tomatoes and sauce are pantry staples, easily sourced. This homemade recipe beats meal kits on customization and budget.

Expert Adjustments & Hacks

Elevate Your Simple Goulash

Deeper Flavor: Brown the beef well for a rich base; I always add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity in my simple goulash recipe.
Creamier Texture: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a richer mouthfeel.
Extra Veggies: Sneak in shredded carrots, spinach, or diced zucchini for added nutrition without altering the core flavor.
Kick of Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can liven things up.

Tailoring Your Dish

Kid-Friendly: Stick to classic flavors and offer mild cheese toppings to appeal to younger palates.
Gourmet Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs, a swirl of crème fraîche, or artisanal cheeses for an elevated presentation.

Allergy Swaps

For a dairy-free version of this dish, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely. This particular recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe option for many common allergies.

FAQs

Can this simple goulash recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! This simple goulash recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Cook it, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!

What’s the best way to make simple goulash recipe healthier?

To make your simple goulash recipe healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey, opt for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber, choose low-sodium broth, and load up on extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These small swaps make a big difference.

Is this simple goulash recipe good for freezing?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Once your simple goulash recipe has cooled, portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can I use different pasta shapes in this simple goulash recipe?

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for this simple goulash recipe, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, following the package directions for your chosen pasta.

How can I add more vegetables to my simple goulash recipe?

To boost your veggie intake in this simple goulash recipe, you can stir in frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, sauté diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini right along with the onions in step one for a richer vegetable base.

What are some good sides to serve with simple goulash recipe?

A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the goulash. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce, and steamed green beans complement this simple goulash recipe perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Can I make simple goulash recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely, adapting this simple goulash recipe is easy for dietary needs. Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and omit any dairy cheese or use a dairy-free shred alternative. It’s a versatile dish!

Conclusion

This simple goulash recipe truly proves that hearty, satisfying family dinners don’t have to be complicated or expensive, offering a nutritious, budget-friendly, and incredibly convenient meal solution for any busy week. Go ahead, give this recipe a try this week, and make healthy eating easy; pin it for later to your favorite quick meals board!

Simple Goulash Recipe