In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil 30 seconds. Add onions and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes until tender.
Add garlic and ground beef, breaking up the ground beef as it cooks. Cook, stirring occasionally until meat is no longer pink and is starting to brown, 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the pasta, cover, and simmer over low heat until pasta is tender, 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally so that the noodles don't stick together.
Transfer to a bowl and enjoy hot.
Notes
Read the Recipe First: Before you start, read the whole recipe, including the Ingredient Notes and process photos. This will help you understand each step and ensure your goulash turns out perfect.
Cheesy Finish: Top your goulash with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Noodle Flexibility: Use any pasta you have on hand; it doesn’t have to be the one recommended in the recipe.
Pasta Care: Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
Boost the Flavor: Use chicken or beef broth instead of water to enhance the flavor of your goulash.
Lighter Option: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter version.
Fresh Over Canned: Use a chopped fresh tomato instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Scaling Up: Double the ingredients if you want to make more servings, perfect for meal prep or future dinners.