Ah, comfort food. There’s something undeniably soothing about it-especially when it comes in the form of a hearty, cheesy, and meaty dish like Campbell’s Soup Goulash. This is a recipe that combines the richness of classic goulash with the convenience and heartiness of canned soup. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or someone looking to relive the nostalgia of childhood meals, Campbell’s Soup Goulash is one of those timeless recipes that checks all the boxes.
What makes this goulash stand out is how easy it is to prepare without compromising on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and some pantry staples, you can create a satisfying, one-pot meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours of effort.
Let’s dive deep into how to make this deliciously easy dish!
Campbell’s Soup Goulash Recipe
Campbell’s Soup Goulash is a perfect blend of ground beef, pasta, cheese, and Campbell’s famous condensed soup. It’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together effortlessly, yet it’s a complete meal in one pot. What I really love about it is that you can switch up the flavors or ingredients to suit your preferences. And the best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up!
Ingredients Needed
To make this goulash, you’ll need a few basic ingredients-some of which you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s the full list:
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1 Lb Ground Beef
This is the foundation of the dish, adding richness and protein. You can opt for lean beef or ground turkey if you’re looking to reduce fat content.
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1 Medium Onion, Diced
A bit of onion adds flavor and depth to the dish. It caramelizes slightly, adding that savory sweetness that complements the beef.
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2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Garlic brings in an aromatic, savory punch that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
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1 Can (10.5 Oz) Campbell’s Tomato Soup
The heart of this recipe! Campbell’s Tomato Soup is the perfect shortcut to a rich and tangy tomato base. It’s not just for sandwiches anymore.
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1 Can (10.5 Oz) Campbell’s Tomato Soup With Basil And Oregano
This variation of Campbell’s soup brings in additional herbs that enhance the flavor, but if you prefer a more traditional base, you can stick with plain tomato soup.
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1 ½ Cups Elbow Macaroni (or Any Pasta You Like)
Goulash is all about the pasta-to-sauce ratio, and elbow macaroni is a classic choice. It holds the sauce perfectly while adding a satisfying texture.
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1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheese is the star of the show. It melts beautifully over the warm goulash, making every bite creamy and decadent.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
You’ll need some seasoning to round out the dish, and salt and pepper are always the go-to basics.
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1 Cup Water Or Beef Broth
To loosen the soup and create the perfect sauce consistency. Beef broth adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This dish is as simple as it is delicious, and the cooking process doesn’t take long at all.
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Brown The Ground Beef
In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
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Add The Soups And Broth
Stir in both cans of Campbell’s Soup (regular and basil/oregano version), along with the beef broth (or water). Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
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Stir In The Pasta
Add in the elbow macaroni and stir to make sure it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cook The Pasta
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
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Add Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the dish until it’s creamy and gooey.
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Taste And Adjust Seasoning
Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. This is your chance to make sure everything is just the way you like it!
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Serve And Enjoy
Once everything’s cooked, serve hot. You can garnish it with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce if you want a bit of heat.
Ingredient Insights
Now that you know the basic ingredients, let’s break down a few of the key players and why they’re so important in this dish:
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Campbell’s Soup
These soups are formulated for maximum flavor and consistency. The combination of tomato soup and added herbs and spices (in the basil/oregano version) creates a balanced sauce that’s rich, tangy, and full of umami. It saves time while still delivering a great depth of flavor.
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Ground Beef
Ground beef adds the necessary fat and protein to make this dish feel like a meal on its own. You can adjust the fat content by choosing leaner beef, or you could even swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Elbow Macaroni
This classic pasta shape is perfect for goulash because its small, curved shape catches the sauce and holds it well. You can substitute with any small pasta, but elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for a reason!
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Cheddar Cheese
The cheese is what transforms this dish into something truly comforting. It binds everything together and adds a creamy, melty texture. You could use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles, but cheddar offers that perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
Expert Tips
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Customize Your Meat
If you’re not a fan of beef, feel free to swap it for turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Ground pork also works well if you want something a bit richer.
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Add Extra Veggies
Goulash doesn’t have to be just meat and pasta. You can sneak in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
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Use Different Pasta
If you’re out of elbow macaroni or just want something different, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells can work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller shapes.
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Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce when you’re cooking the beef and onions.
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Leftovers Are Better
Like many pasta dishes, this goulash tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations
If you want to give this classic goulash a twist, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Here are a few fun variations to try:
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Vegetarian Goulash
Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas for a heartier bite.
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Cheesy Taco Goulash
Swap out the tomato soup for a can of Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup and add taco seasoning to the ground beef. Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.
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Spicy Cajun Goulash
Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the beef and onion mixture, and use smoked sausage or chorizo instead of beef. The smokiness and spice will give this dish a whole new flavor profile.
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Italian Goulash
Use Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil for a more traditional Italian spin. Top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Final Words
Campbell’s Soup Goulash is more than just a quick dinner option. It’s a recipe that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals with the ease of pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for your family on a busy weeknight or sharing it with friends for a casual gathering, this dish has a way of making everyone feel cozy and content.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can keep it simple or throw in a few of your own twists. The basic formula is simple, but the possibilities for creativity are endless. And because it’s so easy, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.