Recipe

Easy Goulash Recipe: Crispy and Crunchy

Classic American goulash, but with a twist: tender, saucy pasta topped with a buttery, crunchy skillet crust that snaps when you scoop it.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A cast iron skillet filled with saucy beef and macaroni goulash topped with a golden, crunchy toasted breadcrumb layer

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Goulash is one of those no-drama dinners that shows up, does the job, and somehow tastes even better the next day. But I wanted a version that hits both sides of the comfort-food brain: cozy and saucy, plus crispy and crunchy.

This homemade easy goulash starts like the classic American one pot situation: ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato-y goodness, macaroni. Then we take a quick detour into texture town with a simple, buttery breadcrumb topping that gets toasted until it is golden and crackly. No fancy ingredients. No weird steps. Just smart ones.

A wooden spoon stirring simmering tomato beef sauce with onions and garlic in a deep skillet

Why It Works

Bright, balanced flavor: a touch of vinegar and Worcestershire keeps the tomato base from tasting flat.
Perfect pasta texture: macaroni cooks in the sauce, but we keep it al dente so it does not go mushy.
Crispy, crunchy finish: toasted breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) add the kind of texture that makes leftovers exciting.
Weeknight friendly: one pot for the goulash, one small pan for the topping. Minimal cleanup, maximal payoff.

Pairs Well With

Garlic Green Beans
Simple Wedge Salad
Soft Dinner Rolls
Tangy Coleslaw

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool goulash down, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the crunchy topping separate if you can. It stays crisp longer.

Freeze: Freeze the goulash (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheat:

Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and warm over medium-low, stirring until loosened.
Microwave: Cover loosely, heat in 60 to 90 second bursts, stirring between rounds.
Bring back the crunch: Toast fresh breadcrumbs in a pan and sprinkle on top, or broil individual bowls for 1 to 2 minutes if your dish is oven-safe.

Common Questions

Is this Hungarian goulash?

Nope. This is American goulash, the cozy pasta and ground beef version. Hungarian goulash is more of a paprika-forward beef soup or stew, typically without pasta (though recipes vary by region and family).

How do I keep macaroni from getting mushy?

Cook it just until al dente, then take the pot off the heat. The pasta keeps absorbing sauce as it sits. If you want extra insurance, cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end.

What makes it crispy and crunchy?

A quick butter-toasted breadcrumb topping. It gives you that casserole-style crunch without needing to bake the whole thing for an hour.

Can I make it without beef?

Absolutely. Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground. Add an extra teaspoon of oil when browning leaner meats, since fat is flavor and also helps the onions cook nicely.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes. Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or swap in a can of fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles. Taste, then escalate.

Does Worcestershire sauce contain fish?

Often, yes. Many brands contain anchovies. If you need a substitute, use soy sauce or tamari plus a tiny squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar for that savory-bright vibe.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large Dutch oven or deep skillet with lid (4 to 6 quart)
Small skillet for toasting breadcrumbs
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Microplane or garlic press (optional, but handy)

I grew up around the kind of dinners that solved problems. Busy day? Big appetites? Someone picky at the table? You throw together a pot of something warm and tomato-y and call it a win. Goulash was always that meal. The only issue was texture. Delicious, yes, but sometimes it ate like a soft red blanket.

So I started doing what I do when a recipe feels one note: I added crunch. The first time I sprinkled buttery toasted breadcrumbs over a bowl, I actually stopped mid-bite. That little crackle on top makes the whole thing feel intentional, like you planned comfort food and then made it interesting.

Easy Goulash Recipe: Crispy and Crunchy

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 6 (or 4 very hungry)

Ingredients

For the goulash

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, but classic)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85 to 90% lean)
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth (or water), plus more as needed
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to round out acidity)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cozy)

For the crispy, crunchy topping

2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional, but excellent)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Optional add-ins: 1 cup corn, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, or 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce.

Pasta swap note: Other small shapes work too (small shells, ditalini). Whole wheat and gluten-free pasta can take a little longer and may need an extra splash of broth.

Instructions

Sweat the veggies. Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then stir in onion and bell pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened. If using mushrooms, add them here and cook 2 to 3 minutes until they shrink down. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Brown the beef. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Break it up and cook until no longer pink and you see some browned bits, 6 to 8 minutes. If there is a lot of grease, spoon off excess. If more than about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fat remains, remove a bit more, but leave some for flavor.
Build the tomato base. Stir in paprika and Italian seasoning. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring, until it darkens slightly. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and Worcestershire. Bring to a simmer.
Season like you mean it. Stir in sugar (if using) and vinegar. Simmer 5 minutes. Taste the sauce now. It should be savory, a little bright, and not flat. Adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. If using hot sauce, stir it in here.
Cook the macaroni. Stir in elbow macaroni (and corn, if using). Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Scrape the bottom well when you stir, and lower the heat if it starts to stick. Cook until the pasta is al dente. If the sauce tightens up before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time.
Optional cheese moment. Turn off the heat. If using cheddar, stir it in until melted. Let the goulash sit uncovered 5 minutes to thicken.
Make it crispy and crunchy. While the goulash rests, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add panko, garlic powder, and Parmesan (if using). Toast 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden brown. Watch closely, it goes from perfect to burnt fast. Remove from heat as soon as it is golden, then stir in parsley.
Serve. Spoon goulash into bowls and shower with the crunchy topping. If you want extra crisp edges, heat a skillet over medium-high, add a tiny slick of oil if needed, ladle in a portion, press it down, and let it sear 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Crispy bottom, saucy top. You are welcome.

A bowl of goulash topped with toasted breadcrumbs and parsley with a spoon taking a bite

Nutrition information is estimated.

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