Description: This Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, all simmered together for a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all other ingredients so they are ready to go.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet (at least 4-quart capacity), cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Step 3: Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot. This will prevent the goulash from becoming too greasy.
- Step 4: Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 5: Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 6: Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to ensure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.
- Step 7: Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the goulash becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
- Step 8: Finish & Serve: If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the goulash is creamy.
- Step 9: Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Step 10: Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Why will you love this recipe?
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food for a reason! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot for cooking, which means fewer dishes to wash. It’s also very adaptable; you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices. The combination of ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful and comforting dish!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad or steamed vegetables (such as green beans or broccoli) makes a great accompaniment.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goulash while it’s simmering.
Tips:
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the goulash, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
- To make ahead, prepare the goulash and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Leftover goulash can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Let the goulash sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simplicity, adaptability, and comforting flavors make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a taste of classic comfort food!
Questions and Answers:
- Question: Can I use a different type of pasta in this goulash recipe? Answer: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can easily substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so be sure to check the pasta for doneness as it simmers and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’ll want the pasta to be tender but not mushy.
- Question: I don’t have Worcestershire sauce. Is there anything else I can use? Answer: Worcestershire sauce adds a unique savory depth of flavor to the goulash, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can try a few substitutes. A small amount of soy sauce (about 1/2 teaspoon) can provide a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, a tablespoon of tomato paste mixed with a splash of vinegar (such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar) can also work in a pinch. If you don’t have any of these, you can simply omit the Worcestershire sauce; the goulash will still be delicious.
- Question: Can I make this goulash in a slow cooker? Answer: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef on the stovetop as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the cheese and parsley). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Garnish with parsley before serving. Slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld together even more deeply, resulting in an extra flavorful goulash.
- Question: I’m trying to reduce the sodium in my diet. How can I lower the sodium content of this recipe? Answer: There are several ways to reduce the sodium in this goulash recipe. First, use low-sodium or no-salt-added beef broth and diced tomatoes. Second, be mindful of the amount of salt you add; start with a smaller amount (1/4 teaspoon) and taste before adding more. Third, Worcestershire sauce can be high in sodium, so consider using a low-sodium alternative or reducing the amount. Finally, avoid adding extra salty toppings like cheese, or use a low-sodium cheese option. By making these simple adjustments, you can significantly lower the sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
- Question: What’s the best way to store leftover goulash? Answer: To store leftover goulash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Make sure the goulash is heated to a safe internal temperature before serving. Properly stored and reheated, leftover goulash tastes just as delicious as the first time!
