Spicy Goulash or Spaghetti Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Spicy Goulash or Spaghetti Sauce! Brimming with bold ingredients like Hungarian paprika, red chili flakes, and tender ground beef, this versatile sauce strikes the perfect balance of heat and savory richness. A medley of finely chopped onions, garlic, and vibrant red bell peppers amps up the flavor, while a dash of sugar smooths out the acidity of crushed tomatoes. Simmered to perfection, this sauce is as comforting as it is customizable—spoon it over spaghetti, use it as a base for goulash, or pair it with your favorite pasta. Ready in under an hour and perfect for six servings, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that brings spice and comfort to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, ground turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Push the vegetables and meat to the edges of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.
Add paprika, red chili flakes, oregano, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes as desired.
Serve your spicy sauce hot over spaghetti, pasta, or as a base for goulash. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
299 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.3 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 61 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 702 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.0 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 15.7 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 60 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 695 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
