Name: Goulash Soup – Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 small); 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium); 2 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 3 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce; 1 1/2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh marjoram (or 1 tsp dried); 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried); 2 bay leaves; 1 1/4 cups (5.6 oz) dry small elbow pasta; 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (optional); Fresh chopped parsley and finely grated parmesan cheese for serving

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Can a single bowl of soup truly transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen while delivering the comfort your soul craves after a long day? According to recent culinary surveys, goulash soup – beef and tomato macaroni soup ranks among the top 10 most requested comfort foods in American households, and for good reason. This hearty, one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and perfectly cooked macaroni in a soul-warming broth that satisfies both hunger and nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this goulash soup recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, proving that the best comfort foods are often the simplest ones.

Why This Goulash Soup – Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup Matters

This isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s a complete meal that bridges the gap between Hungarian tradition and American comfort food. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and tender pasta creates a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly. Unlike many complex recipes, this goulash soup uses pantry staples and simple techniques to create restaurant-quality results at home.

External Resources

Before diving into this comforting bowl of goodness, you might want to explore our hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup for another warming option, or check out our collection of cozy fall soups and stews recipes for chilly days. For those interested in adapting this recipe, you can find helpful guidelines for converting stovetop soup recipes to Instant Pot, and learn more about the nutritional benefits in this comprehensive guide to ground beef nutrition facts and health benefits.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Goulash Soup
1 lb lean ground beef – Choose 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and texture; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option 2 Tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin preferred; avocado oil works as a substitute 1¼ cups chopped yellow onion (1 small) – Sweet onions can be substituted for milder flavor 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium) – Fresh carrots add sweetness; frozen can work in a pinch 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Season generously to taste 3 cups low-sodium beef broth – Vegetable broth for a lighter version 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce – No-salt-added variety preferred 1½ (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes – Fire-roasted adds extra depth 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Essential for umami depth 1 Tbsp chopped fresh marjoram (or 1 tsp dried) – Oregano can substitute 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or ¾ tsp dried) – Italian seasoning works too 2 bay leaves – Don’t skip these aromatic leaves 1¼ cups (5.6 oz) dry small elbow pasta – Shells or rotini work wonderfully 1½ cups frozen corn (optional) – Adds sweetness and texture Fresh chopped parsley and finely grated parmesan cheese – For serving and extra flavor

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground beef forms the protein foundation, providing rich flavor and satisfying texture. Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes create the signature tangy-sweet base that defines this soup’s character. Worcestershire sauce adds that mysterious umami depth that makes you wonder what makes this taste so good. Fresh herbs like marjoram and thyme elevate the dish from simple to spectacular, while elbow macaroni transforms this from soup to complete meal.

Timing

Complete Timing Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 5 generous portions Efficiency Note: This recipe cooks 20% faster than traditional goulash methods thanks to our streamlined technique

Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Method
### Sauté the Aromatics Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and carrots, sautéing for 3 minutes until they start to soften and release their natural sweetness. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer until fragrant. Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—properly caramelized vegetables create the flavor foundation. Pour mixture onto a plate and set aside. ### Brown the Beef Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. The key is letting it brown without stirring too much—this creates those delicious caramelized bits. Drain excess fat from beef. ### Build the Base Return the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beef. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, marjoram, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go—this is where you build the perfect flavor balance. Bring to a rolling boil. ### Cook the Pasta Add the elbow pasta to the boiling soup, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Stirring occasionally prevents the pasta from clumping and ensures even cooking. ### Final Touches If using corn, stir it in during the last 3 minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking. Remove bay leaves before serving. Always remove bay leaves—they’ve done their job flavoring the soup. ### Serve with Style Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and finely grated parmesan cheese. The fresh herbs and cheese add brightness and richness that make each bowl feel special.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Goulash Soup

Professional Cooking Tips
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add pasta when you’re ready to serve within 30 minutes—overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid Layer Your Seasonings: Season the beef while browning, then adjust the final soup seasoning for maximum flavor depth Use the Right Pot Size: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large soup pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching Save Some Broth: Keep extra warm broth on hand—pasta continues absorbing liquid as the soup sits Fresh Herb Magic: Add half the fresh herbs during cooking and reserve half for garnish to get both cooked and bright fresh flavors

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Cheesy Goulash Twist: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese during the last 2 minutes for an extra indulgent version. Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with a mix of diced mushrooms and lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños with the onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Italian-Inspired: Swap marjoram for fresh basil and add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.

Behind the Recipe

This goulash soup was born from the desire to capture the essence of traditional Hungarian goulash while creating something that busy families could actually make on a Tuesday night. The addition of pasta transforms it into a complete meal, while the tomato base gives it that familiar American comfort food appeal. It’s the kind of recipe that bridges generations—sophisticated enough for adults, kid-friendly enough for the whole family.

Pairing Ideas

Serve alongside warm crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls for sopping up every last drop. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For beverages, try sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or hot coffee for a comforting finish. Cornbread muffins also make an excellent companion, adding a slightly sweet contrast to the savory soup.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Transform leftover goulash soup into a baked casserole by transferring to a baking dish, topping with cheese and breadcrumbs, then baking until bubbly. Use it as a sauce over baked potatoes or rice. Thin it with additional broth to create a pasta sauce, or use it as a base for shepherd’s pie by topping with mashed potatoes and baking.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately): 385 calories, 28g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 15g fat, 6g fiber, 890mg sodium. This soup provides excellent sources of protein, iron, and vitamin A from the carrots. The tomatoes contribute lycopene and vitamin C, while the pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle into deep bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with a side of warm bread for dipping. For special occasions, drizzle with a small amount of good olive oil and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Consider serving in bread bowls for an impressive presentation that guests will remember.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: This happens when you let the soup simmer too long after adding pasta—it becomes mushy and absorbs all the liquid. Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings at each step, especially after adding the broth. Skipping the vegetable sauté: This step builds crucial flavor foundations that can’t be replicated later. Not draining the beef: Excess grease makes the soup oily and unappetizing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add warm broth when reheating to restore the proper consistency. Freeze for up to 3 months, though the pasta texture may change slightly. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave individual portions on 50% power, stirring every minute.

Can I make goulash soup – beef and tomato macaroni soup ahead of time?: Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. The soup base actually improves in flavor overnight.
Is goulash soup gluten-free?: Not traditionally, due to the pasta. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely for a gluten-free version.
Can I use different pasta shapes in my goulash soup?: Absolutely! Small shells, rotini, or even broken spaghetti work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce and are easy to eat with a spoon.
How can I make this goulash soup less acidic?: Add a pinch of sugar or a tablespoon of cream to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. You can also use low-acid canned tomatoes.
What’s the best way to thicken goulash soup if it’s too thin?: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering soup. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked vegetables against the pot side.

Conclusion

A steaming bowl of goulash soup with beef and tomato macaroni soup garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, served with crusty bread

This goulash soup – beef and tomato macaroni soup proves that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest ingredients combined with love and attention to technique. With its rich, comforting flavors and complete nutrition in one bowl, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The beauty lies in its versatility—dress it up for company or keep it simple for family dinners.

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Author: erin