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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining any excess fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in bay leaf if desired.
- Allow mixture to gently bubble and simmer for 10-15 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors and melding ingredients together.
- 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.
- Extract bay leaf and sample the goulash, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a luxurious, creamy finish that melts into the warm dish.
- 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