The Best Grandma’s Goulash Recipe – Heartwarming Comfort Food

Warm memories of my childhood swirl around grandmas goulash, a hearty Hungarian comfort dish that always brings smiles to our dinner table.

Memories of my grandmother stirring a massive pot of rich, paprika-infused stew flood back with each ingredient I chop.

Robust beef chunks nestle among tender vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that speak directly to the soul.

Authentic spices dance through this traditional recipe, promising a meal that connects generations.

My family’s version carries subtle twists passed down through decades of loving preparation.

Comfort arrives in a single spoonful, promising warmth and connection with every delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor each mouthful of this soul-satisfying classic.

Why Grandma’s Goulash Is a Timeless Family Favorite

• This goulash delivers classic home-cooked goodness with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a hearty meal.
• Packed with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this one-pot wonder satisfies hungry family members of all ages with its delicious, familiar flavors.
• Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and pantry staples, this recipe offers a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Easily customizable with optional cheese topping or different seasonings, this goulash adapts to personal preferences while maintaining its core comforting essence.

What You’ll Need to Make Grandma’s Goulash

• Ground Beef: Classic protein that forms the foundation of the goulash.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy base and texture to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Beef Broth: Creates depth and enhances overall savory profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds foundational flavor and aromatic base.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Delivers warm, complex spice profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall taste.
• Bay Leaf: Offers subtle herbal undertone.

• Elbow Macaroni: Traditional pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional creamy, sharp topping.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh color and herbal note.

How to Cook Classic Grandma’s Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and loses its pink color.

Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the onions become soft and slightly transparent, releasing their sweet, savory fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaf (optional)

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Slow Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to low.

Let the sauce bubble softly for 10-15 minutes, creating a rich and deep flavor profile.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in elbow macaroni, making sure it’s completely covered by the sauce.

Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf if you used one.

Taste the goulash and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

For extra creaminess, sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!

Tips for Flavorful and Hearty Grandma’s Goulash

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Toast the paprika in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to enhance its rich, smoky taste and release deeper aromatics.
• Stir macaroni frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, creating a consistent tender texture throughout the dish.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding shredded cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly without becoming grainy or separating.
• Prepare extra goulash and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy days and enjoying a quick, delicious dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Grandma’s Goulash

• Transfer leftover goulash to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.
• Warm goulash in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth to prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warmed and bubbling, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
• Goulash can be frozen for up to 2 months. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Goulash

• Boost Wine Harmony: Select medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Syrah to match the rich beef and tomato flavors, enhancing the dish's robust profile.
• Craft Bread Companion: Serve crusty sourdough or garlic bread alongside goulash, allowing diners to soak up delicious sauce and add delightful textural contrast.
• Create Fresh Salad Balance: Prepare crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the goulash's richness, providing refreshing counterpoint and nutritional variety.
• Elevate Side Vegetable Crunch: Roast seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to complement the hearty pasta, adding nutritional depth and colorful presentation.

Flavorful Variations of Grandma’s Goulash

• Gluten-Free Goulash: Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Hungarian Style: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving rich flavors.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap Italian seasoning for chili powder to create a zesty Mexican-inspired rendition of the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What makes goulash different from other pasta dishes?

Goulash is a hearty Hungarian-inspired dish that combines ground beef, tomato-based sauce, and pasta in one pot, creating a rich, comforting meal with deep, robust flavors unlike typical pasta recipes.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, this goulash uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without expensive components.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is traditional goulash?

Traditional goulash isn’t typically very spicy. This recipe uses paprika for mild warmth and depth, providing a flavorful but not hot dish that’s suitable for most palates.

Grandmas Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Grandma’s goulash recipe brings hearty Hungarian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, tender beef and paprika-infused warmth. Generations of family memories simmer within this classic one-pot meal that connects loved ones through delicious culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Pasta:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked

Optional Toppings:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining any excess fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in bay leaf if desired.
4. Allow mixture to gently bubble and simmer for 10-15 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors and melding ingredients together.
5. Submerge elbow macaroni completely into the sauce, ensuring even distribution. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
6. Extract bay leaf and sample the goulash, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
7. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a luxurious, creamy finish that melts into the warm dish.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot, ready to comfort and delight.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free elbow macaroni for dietary accommodations.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during the simmering stage.
• Mix in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and texture variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg