Creamy Goulash-Style Pasta
This Creamy Goulash-Style Pasta is SO EASY! A rich, hearty, and comforting dish with tender ground beef and a luscious creamy sauce perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta choose elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini
- 1 lb Ground Beef lean ground beef preferred
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Bell Pepper diced
- 14 oz Diced Tomatoes undrained, canned
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if desired.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove excess fat if desired.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons paprika and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, allowing the spices to bloom for a minute. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Spoon the creamy goulash-style pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, don’t skip the paprika – it’s key to the goulash-style taste.
- Use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a brighter aroma.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the tomato and broth mixture to simmer longer before adding the dairy.
- This recipe reheats well but may thicken; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Try topping with fresh parsley or chives for a fresh finish.