Spicy Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef
Warm up with this flavorful Spicy Goulash recipe! This hearty dish is packed with lean ground beef, chili powder, Rotel, and pasta for a satisfying meal with a kick. Spice up your dinner tonight!
The Secret to the Best Spicy Goulash
Spicy Goulash is one of those classic comfort foods that almost everyone’s Grandma made, each with her own twist. This American goulash recipe is a simple and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy dinner recipe. With lean ground beef, a little kick of chili powder, and the bold flavors of Rotel, this goulash packs a punch while still being a cozy, satisfying meal.
The best part about this dish is how easy it is to throw together with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a budget-friendly, one-pot meal that brings back childhood memories of family dinners, but with a spicy twist. Whether you’re making it for your family or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this Spicy Goulash will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
What you’ll love about this easy Goulash recipe:
Ingredients for Spicy Goulash
- Onion and garlic Рsaut̩d in olive oil for an aromatic base to our dish.
- Lean ground beef – the heart of our spicy goulash, making sure it’s got enough meaty chunks to satisfy the whole hungry family.
- Your favorite Italian seasoning blend – to add that herby touch that dances well with spicy tones.
- Chili powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper – our main players for heat, to cater to everyone’s taste buds at the table.
- Can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) – for that signature kick that makes this dish a fiery delight.
- Beef broth – giving our goulash a rich and savory liquid base that brings everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce – just a dash to deepen the flavors even more.
- Tomato-based sauce (crushed tomatoes or jarred spaghetti)– these tomato-based ingredients bring in the classic goulash taste we all crave.
- Elbow macaroni noodles – they’ll soak up all the wonderful flavors we’re mixing in.
- Optional: hot sauce – for those who dare to turn up the heat and keep it fiery till the very last bite.
How to Make Spicy Goulash with Ground Beef
There’s something deeply satisfying about serving up a pot of spicy goulash that’s been simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of comfort food that has us all coming back for seconds. Here’s how to make this classic American goulash, spicy version:
- First, heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add in the olive oil, chopped large onion, and minced garlic. Cook until they are tender.
- Next, add in the lean ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, your favorite Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.
- Add a can of Rotel (or any brand of diced tomatoes and green chilies), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spaghetti sauce to bring that unique flavor we’re after. Stir and let simmer 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni noodles, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the liquid, then bring everything to a boil. If they aren’t quite submerged, add a little more beef broth or water.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let everything cook together for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir, and check the macaroni for doneness. It may need a few more minutes. If most of the liquid has been absorbed, add 1/4-1/2 cup of water. Replace the lid and let it cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I give it one more taste test before taking it off the heat, making sure the seasoning is just right.
What to Serve with Goulash
Spicy goulash is such a hearty meal that you don’t need to add much to make the meal complete.
- Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit of that delicious, fiery sauce.
- A green salad on the side balances out the heat with crisp, cool bites.
- A dollop of sour cream on top melds with the spice and adds a creamy richness that just can’t be beaten.
- Hot sauce is a nice option for those wanting to crank the heat up another notch.
- Shredded cheese is always a great topping for any kind of pasta. I like to serve some shredded Pepper Jack cheese for another layer of heat, but you could also serve mozzarella for those who want a cooling effect.
- Tuck away any leftovers in an airtight container. They’re just as tasty the next day for lunch or for making an easy dinner option when you’re short on time. Trust me, your whole family will be looking forward to round two!
Fiery Weeknight Comfort Food to the Last Bite
This Spicy Goulash is a delicious twist on the classic goulash recipe that your whole family will love. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the chili powder and Rotel, and the lean ground beef keeps it hearty without being too heavy. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, offering both comfort and spice in every bite.
Next time you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe that satisfies everyone, give this Spicy Goulash a try. It’s simple to make, full of bold flavors, and sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that brings a little heat to the dinner table!
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Spicy Goulash with Ground Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce your favorite brand
- 1 lb box elbow macaroni about 3 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add in the olive oil, chopped large onion, and minced garlic. Cook until they are tender.
- Next, add in the lean ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, your favorite Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.Â
- Add a can of Rotel (or any brand of diced tomatoes and green chilies), beef broth, Â Worcestershire sauce, and spaghetti sauce. Stir and let simmer 5-10 minutes.Â
- Stir in the elbow macaroni noodles, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the liquid, then bring everything to a boil. If they aren’t quite submerged, add a little more beef broth or water.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Cook covered for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir, and check the macaroni for doneness. It may need a few more minutes. If most of the liquid has been absorbed, add 1/4-1/2 cup of water. Replace the lid and let it cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I give it one more taste test before taking it off the heat, making sure the seasoning is just right.
Notes
What to Serve with Goulash
- Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit of that delicious, fiery sauce.Â
- A green salad on the side balances out the heat with crisp, cool bites.Â
- A dollop of sour cream on top melds with the spice and adds a creamy richness that just can’t be beaten.Â
- Hot sauce is a nice option for those wanting to crank the heat up another notch.Â
- Shredded cheese is always a great topping for any kind of pasta. I like to serve some shredded Pepper Jack cheese for another layer of heat, but you could also serve mozzarella for those who want a cooling effect.Â
