I Tried Lucille Ball’s Go-To Sunday Dinner (It's Just 6 Ingredients!)

Published on August 16, 2025

Lucille Ball wasn’t just a beloved television icon; she also had a few signature dishes up her sleeve. The I Love Lucy star was famous for her wit, warmth, and, it turns out, a classic bowl of goulash. I gave her retro 6-ingredient recipe a try and was immediately charmed by the nostalgic flavors. Here’s why you should try this simple old-fashioned supper for yourself.

How to Make Lucille Ball's Goulash

Ball calls this recipe her "Sunday night supper for two or twenty." Here's a quick look at how to make her easy 6-ingredient recipe.

1. Start by browning ground beef in butter. Once browned, add in sauteed sliced green onions, chopped green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
2. Reduce the heat to a slow simmer and add in canned tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt, pepper, and Accent to taste.
3. Add in cooked egg noodles 30 minutes before you plan to serve the dish. Ball recommends serving the goulash with warm garlic-buttered French bread and red Chianti wine.

Tips for Making Homemade Goulash

Ball's recipe is a classic American-style goulash. Hungarian goulash is a paprika-spiced beef chuck stew that's often served with egg noodles or bread. Here are a few our best tips for making the most delicious American goulash.

• If you want to entertain as Lucille Ball did, try making her entire Sunday night dinner party menu. Alongside the goulash, Ball starts the meal with a plain iceberg lettuce salad topped with Roquefort, French, or Thousand Island dressing. She recommends pulling the lettuce apart, rather than cutting it. For dessert, Ball serves a large fruit and cheese plate with coffee.
• For the most flavor, ensure you've browned the meat well before adding the vegetables. It should have a nice, dark crust.
• Continue seasoning the dish with salt and pepper as you go. Ball also recommends using Accent, which is a brand of monosodium glutamate seasoning (MSG) that brings out a savory taste in the finished dish.
• The longer you simmer the goulash, the more the flavors will develop.
• If you want to get creative with the toppings, serve the finished dish with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or hot sauce.
  

The Verdict on Lucille Ball's Goulash

Ball's goulash was exactly what I hoped it would be: the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Each bite brought back memories of Sunday dinners at home with my parents. I added a dash of hot sauce to my bowl, and it added just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the slow-simmered flavor. Much like the black and white I Love Lucy reruns I watch with my mom, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and timeless.