Quick and Easy Skillet Goulash Recipe
Make this Quick and Easy Skillet Goulash Recipe for a tasty weeknight dinner! Everyone will love the pasta, meat, and other simple ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight meal!
What I enjoy about this skillet meal is that it takes just minutes to make! You don’t have to stress over adding the ingredients because it’s a simple process.

This is one of those comfort recipes that even the pickiest eaters will love. Loaded with tender pasta, juicy melt, and gooey cheese – what more could you want? Our quick and delicious menu is perfect for those on-the-go evenings.
I love making these easy ground beef recipes! I love having simple and quick beef recipes like this on hand!
Quick and Easy Skillet Goulash Recipe
This would be perfect for a weeknight dinner, with enough leftovers throughout the week. The fun part about making this dish is that it takes just a few steps.
My boys beg for this recipe, and I am happy to make it for them! It’s such a hearty dish that it gives us plenty to fill our plates with!
Add some parmesan cheese on top, and you’re well on your way to finding your new favorite dish. I also love toasting garlic bread to pair with this meal.

Why is it called goulash?
“Goulash” originates from the Hungarian word “gulyás,” which refers to a herdsman or cowboy. Historically, goulash was a simple, hearty stew prepared by Hungarian cattle herders in the open fields.
They would cook the dish using beef, vegetables, and spices over an open fire, creating a nourishing meal that was easy to prepare and sustaining during long journeys.
Over time, the dish evolved and spread beyond Hungary, gaining popularity across Europe and the world.
Today, goulash is celebrated for its rich flavor and cultural significance. Still, its name remains a nod to the humble origins of the Hungarian cowboys who first crafted this iconic dish.
Specialty Ingredients:
The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.
Reminder, not all ingredients in the Easy Goulash Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for
Must Have Resources:
When making Skillet Goulash with Beef at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
Make it a Meal:
Meal planning is the perfect way to let everyone know what’s for dinner. Keep it simple – it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Vegetable Side: Keto Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
Starch Side: Garlic and Parmesan Steak Fries
Refreshing Drink: Pumpkin Pie Mocktail Recipe
Don’t forget Dessert: OREO Mint Ice Cream Recipe

Best Pasta Recipes:
Once you make this Easy Pasta Recipe, keep making more yummy dishes. Pasta has such a versatile flavor and taste that you have many options!
Here are some of my favorites that I want to share with you.
This Hearty Baked Chicken and Pasta Recipe is loaded with great flavor and taste. I love it!
I love the flavor of this Macaroni and Cheese Revolution Recipe! So much cheesy goodness!
Spinach Tomato Pasta Bake is one of my favorite flavors. It’s such a fun spin for dinner!
Gather the simple ingredients needed to make this Italian Sausage and Elbow Pasta recipe!
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a delicious hearty meal that everyone in the family will love!
Don’t miss out on this Pasta Primavera with a Basic White Sauce! So good!
This list of Hamburger Meat and Pasta Recipes will give you so many dinner options!

How do I not overcook elbow macaroni noodles?
Cooking elbow macaroni noodles to perfection requires carefully balancing time and temperature. To avoid overcooking, following the package instructions closely is crucial, typically boiling the noodles for 7-8 minutes.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil, then add the macaroni. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Test the noodles a minute or two before the minimum cooking time suggested; they should be tender yet firm to the bite—what Italians call “al dente.”
Once they reach this stage, promptly drain them and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
Following these steps ensures your elbow macaroni retains its ideal texture, perfect for any dish.
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!



More Skillet Recipes:
- Apple Crisp Skillet Recipe
- Creamy Tomato Beef Noodle Skillet Recipe
- Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie Recipe

Quick and Easy Skillet Goulash
This modernized goulash recipe, with ground chuck, bell peppers, spaghetti sauce, and cheddar cheese cooks all in one pot - even the pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. ground chuck
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 1 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, cover, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef until fully cooked. Drain off the fat. Add the onion, green pepper and seasonings.
- Cook for about 5 minutes to soften veggies and allow flavors to blend.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce, cover and heat thoroughly.
- Reduce heat, carefully fold in the cooked macaroni and sprinkle with cheese.
- Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately.
Recommended Products
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What side dishes are you going to make to pair with this simple goulash recipe?
Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen