Name: Hearty Grandma's Goulash: A Comforting Classic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice); 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a hearty, homemade goulash. Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is the kind of meal that takes you back to simpler times, with rich, savory flavors and comforting ingredients that make you feel right at home. It’s the perfect meal for when you need something filling, flavorful, and easy to whip up. One bite, and you’ll see why this classic recipe is passed down through generations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Grandma’s goulash is everything you want in a comforting meal – it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Packed with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, a rich tomato-based sauce, and just the right spices, it’s a dish that brings family together around the table. This goulash is perfect for busy weeknights, and you can make it ahead of time for even more convenience. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so you’ll have minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious goulash (the full list is below):

Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Onion, garlic
Seasonings like oregano and basil

Find the full list of ingredients below to get cooking!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step brings out the flavor of the onion and garlic, which will infuse the whole dish.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce

Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Mix everything together well to combine. The tomatoes and sauce will create the rich, flavorful base for your goulash.

Step 4: Season It Up

Sprinkle in your seasonings – oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate, then let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce once it’s done cooking.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Stir the cooked macaroni into the tomato-beef mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the pasta soaks up some of that delicious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the goulash is all mixed together and heated through, it’s time to serve. Spoon it into bowls, and enjoy this cozy, hearty dish with your family!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the goulash when it’s done cooking. You can even broil it for a couple of minutes to get a crispy cheese topping.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash for an extra kick.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The flavors will still be fantastic!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian Goulash: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or even lentils for a vegetarian version. You can add some extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to make it even heartier.
Different Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work great.
Add Veggies: You can easily sneak in more veggies by adding peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the goulash while it simmers.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This hearty goulash pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You could even serve it with some roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal. It’s filling on its own, but a crisp green salad or some warm cornbread can elevate it to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers store wonderfully! Keep any extra goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This goulash can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious. Just reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze this goulash?
Absolutely! You can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.

What can I serve with this dish?
This goulash is great with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You could even serve it with a simple bowl of fruit for a lighter contrast.

Can I add more vegetables to the goulash?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you like, such as spinach, peas, or carrots. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften them up before adding the tomatoes.

Conclusion

Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor – just like grandma used to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy meal on your own, this dish never fails to hit the spot. Serve it up for dinner tonight, and let the nostalgic flavors take you back to good times around the dinner table!

Hearty Grandma’s Goulash: A Comforting Classic

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Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the pot.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Mix everything together to combine, creating the flavorful base.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate, and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce once cooked.
Combine and Simmer: Stir the cooked macaroni into the tomato-beef mixture, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Once heated through and well-combined, serve your goulash warm.

Notes

Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness and melt it over the goulash. For a crispy topping, broil it for a few minutes.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.
Ground Turkey/Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.