This keto goulash is comfort in a bowl–warm, saucy, hearty, keto pasta, baked together with meat, veggies, and a tomato-y broth. Doused in herbs and spices. Covered in cheese. Without carbs. That’s right, it’s perfection.
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Why You’ll Love This Keto Goulash
Two words: comfort food. This keto goulash recipe has all the makings of a family tradition, plus:
- Inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Ready in 45 minutes – BONUS, most of that time is just letting this goulash simmer and marinate on the stove.
- So customizable – the base flavors are classic and delicious, so add in spices you love or take out some you don’t.
What’s in Keto Goulash
Here’s what to gather before making this goulash, and some tips to keep in mind:
- The meat – opt for high fat content (80/20) beef for super tender meat with every bite.
- The sauce – We’re essentially making our own keto spaghetti sauce by simmering tomatoes, onions, and herbs. (Psst–Here’s where you can get creative and add your own flavor, tips below…)
- The noodles – of all the keto vegetables that make for delicious noodles, shredded cabbage is my favorite here–they’ve got just the right texture and a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
How to Customize This Recipe
This classic dish already has a few twists to make it low carb. It can take some more tweaks if that’s what you’re craving, here are some ideas for you:
- Different protein? This is a great recipe to substitute ground turkey for beef–You can also use ground pork or chicken. Try to use high fat content meat if possible.
- Switch up the noodles. You can use almond flour pasta, spiralized veggies like zucchini noodles or butternut squash noodles, or roasted veggies like spaghetti squash. I don’t suggest shirataki noodles here.
- Get creative with your sauce by adding different herbs, spices, and veggies. This is also where most of the carbs in this dish come from, so consider moving things around to meet your nutrition goals.
How to Make Keto Goulash
This dish comes together quickly and easily. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:
1. Meat + veggies. Brown the meat until fully cooked through. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are soft.
2. Make the sauce by adding all remaining ingredients except the cabbage and cheddar. Simmer until the keto goulash sauce thickens.
3. Add the noodles and allow them to soften to your liking. Cover your keto casserole with cheese and allow the cheese to melt in the oven under the broiler.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Keto dinners like this goulash make for delicious meal prep. Here’s how to make the most out of your leftovers:
- Store leftover keto goulash leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container, keeping the cheese separate.
- Freeze in an airtight container, with as much air removed as possible. It does OK in the freezer but is definitely best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, top with fresh cheese, and you have a heavenly meal ready in minutes!
More Keto Pasta Recipes
Low Carb Keto Goulash
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef 80/20
- 1 Yellow Onion large
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 – 15 Ounce Can of Tomato Sauce canned
- 1 – 14.5 Ounce Can of Diced Tomatoes canned
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Basil
- 2 Dried Bay Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 10 Ounces Cabbage shredded
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded, (optional, use for the topping)
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, cook meat (2 Pounds) over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with the back of your spoon as it cook. Cook until no longer any pink.
- Stir in yellow onion (1) and minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook until onions are translucent – about 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce (1-15 Ounce Can), diced tomatoes (1-14.5 Ounce Can), soy sauce (1 1/2 tablespoons), oregano (2 tablespoons), basil (2 teaspoons), bay leaves (2), seasoned salt (1 tablespoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded cabbage (10 Ounces), and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes (for more crunchy texture) to 10 minutes (for softer texture).
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaves. Turn oven to broil and sprinkle cheese on top. Continue to cook until the cheese melts, and enjoy!
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Lindsey’s Tips
- Meat. You can use ground turkey instead of beef, simply add 1 tablespoon of mild-tasting oil to the pan to cook it.
- Nutritional information is based on 1 serving if you divide this recipe into 6 servings, and includes the cheese topping:
I love goulash! I can’t wait to try your low carb recipe 🙂
I am missing the rest of the recipe.
Hi! You’re unable to see the recipe?
I substituted the diced tomatoes for two cans of mild Rotel. So yummy! My husband loves it and so does my son! I will be making this again! Thanks Lindsey!
That sounds REALLY awesome, Julez! SO glad you all loved it!
Is this something I could make and then seal smaller batches with my food saver and freeze?
Hi Nancy! I don’t see why not! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Hi i was wondering how long on Low in a slowcooker would you cook this for? Thanks ?
Hi Tracey! I cooking it in the slow cooker on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Do you drain the ground beef?
Hi Susan! I didn’t, but you can if you’d like to cut out some of the fat. Enjoy! 🙂
Hi,
I’m interested in using the Miracle Noodle or other pasta substitute. Do I cook the noodles IN with the other ingredients in the crockpot or serve atop? I wasn’t sure which is preferred for consistency sake.
Hi Thea!! I would cook the noodles per their instructions, then toss them into the goulash right before serving, that way, they don’t get soggy and maintain the right consistency. Come back and let us know what you think!
Is this for 1 cup servings?
Hi Abbie!
The actual size of a serving will vary depending on how much liquid is cooked out of the dish — the easiest way to calculate it is to divide the recipe into 12 servings, each serving is reflected in the nutritional information. Hope you enjoy!
We found this quite good, but my husband found it rather dry. I think when I heat up the leftover, I will add some sour cream on top.
Hi Donna, happy you enjoyed it! The recipe shouldn’t be dry, due to the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes. I suggest lowering the heat in your pan, I wonder if too much liquid was cooked out during the simmering process?
How do you heat if you refrigerate over night?
Hi Pat! I reheat it in the microwave. Usually I’d add a little extra cheese on top too 😂 enjoy!
Loved this goulash but next time I will cut out the salt. Mine was way too salty. Very good otherwise.
Yay! Glad you loved it, Jancie!
In the article above the recipe you say to add “noodles.” But there are absolutely NO noodles mentioned in the list of ingredients!
Hmmm, are you referring to the recipe card? There’s no mention of noodles on there, for the “noodles”, the recipe calls for shredded cabbage, which you add during step 6. Hope that helps!
This so delicious but since I am eating only 20 to 25 carbs a day, 14 carbs for this is way to high for me.
Hi Sandy, I’m so glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it and your feedback!🥰
Can I cook this in a pan skillet instead of a Dutch oven?
Absolutely! Hope you enjoy, Lucy!
This was so delicious! I will be making it on a regular basis. And let me tell you how very appreciative I am that you put the measurements in the directions! It makes life so much easier than having to scroll up and down. Now I’m going to show my ignorance. At the end of the recipe you say if you are eating immediately, you can melt cheese on it in the oven. Did I miss where you say what to do if you’re not eating it immediately?
Hi Brenda! Ohh I’m so happy you like it, and good to know you enjoy the measurements! We’ve received such mixed reviews on that, I only do it in some of my recipes (but I want to add it to every one of them!!). You can also sprinkle cheese on top if you aren’t eating it immediately, not sure why I said that, lol. Will adjust now!
This was so wonderful and now I make it frequently. Thank you!
Hi Donna! Amazing!! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was a winner! 😁
Do you think steamed riced cauliflower would sub well for the cabbage?
Hi! That shouldn’t be a problem! Hope you enjoy!