Name: Egyptian Beef Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Egyptian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or penne; 2 cups water or beef broth

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I love making this Egyptian Beef Goulash when I want a comforting, home-style meal that feels deeply satisfying. It’s rich, savory, and baked until perfectly tender, with soft pasta soaking up all the flavorful beef sauce. This dish always reminds me of cozy family meals and simple ingredients coming together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s hearty, filling, and incredibly comforting. I enjoy how the beef becomes tender as it bakes and how the pasta absorbs the sauce, creating layers of flavor in every bite. It’s easy to prepare and perfect when I want a warm, oven-baked dish that feeds everyone well. Egyptian Beef Goulash

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or penne
2 cups water or beef broth

Directions

I start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. I let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors come together.

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, I spread the uncooked pasta evenly, then pour the beef sauce over the top. I add the water or broth and gently stir to combine.

I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. I remove the foil, stir, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the top is slightly set. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 4–5 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or a splash of cream for extra richness. When I want a baked top, I sprinkle a little grated cheese and return it to the oven briefly. I also enjoy using small pasta shapes that hold the sauce well.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a small splash of water if it needs loosening. Egyptian Beef Goulash

FAQs

What makes this goulash Egyptian-style?

I use warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, which give it a distinct Egyptian home-cooking flavor.

Can I use cooked pasta instead?

I prefer uncooked pasta so it absorbs the sauce, but cooked pasta works if I reduce the liquid.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often assemble it ahead and bake it just before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

I find it warmly spiced but not hot, and I adjust the seasoning easily.

Can I freeze Egyptian beef goulash?

I freeze it after baking and cooling, then thaw and reheat gently.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to Egyptian Beef Goulash because it’s comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully filling. It’s a simple oven-baked dish that feels like home, and I always enjoy how the spices and tender pasta come together into something truly satisfying.

Egyptian Beef Goulash

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Author: lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4–5 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Egyptian

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Description

This Egyptian Beef Goulash is a comforting, oven-baked dish made with ground beef, pasta, and warm spices. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family meals.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or penne
2 cups water or beef broth

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a baking dish, spread uncooked pasta. Pour beef sauce over the pasta, then add water or broth. Gently stir to combine.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until pasta is tender and top is set.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.