Name: Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 bay leaf (optional)

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner that the entire family can savor, look no further! This Old Fashioned Goulash is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that brings comfort to the dinner table without fussing over complicated steps. With its tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish has become a timeless favorite for a reason.

What makes Old Fashioned Goulash so appealing is its simplicity. In just 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that warms the heart and fills the stomach. This easy recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner: it’s quick, it requires minimal ingredients, and it’s extremely flexible in terms of family preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting lunch or as part of your meal prep, Old Fashioned Goulash fits into any occasion seamlessly.

Moreover, this dish is an excellent way to incorporate healthy components into your meals. With ample protein from the beef, carbs from the pasta, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a one-pot wonder that offers a complete meal. So when you’re in the mood for a dish that delivers hearty satisfaction without demanding too much time, dive into this classic recipe that will undoubtedly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash

Family-Friendly: This recipe is pleasing to all ages — kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty dish.
Quick Preparation: With only 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup makes it super convenient for any home cook.
Versatile: Customize with different meats, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizes inexpensive ingredients readily available in most kitchens.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making your Old Fashioned Goulash, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering your ingredients and measuring them out so you have everything at hand. It helps to keep the prep organized — this will save you time during the cooking process.

You’ll need a large pot or a Dutch oven for this recipe; the wide base will allow for the ground beef to brown evenly and will provide ample space for combining all the ingredients later. Furthermore, have a cutting board and knife handy for chopping your onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. A wooden spoon will also come in handy for stirring and combining the ingredients as they cook.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating your Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook while occasionally stirring until the beef is no longer pink — this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Breaking it apart with your wooden spoon helps ensure even cooking. This initial step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base for your goulash.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

After browning the beef, it’s time to enhance the flavor profile of your dish by adding the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Stir them into the pot with the beef and sauté for about 5-7 minutes more, until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. This will create a fragrant base that’s the hallmark of any excellent goulash.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you enjoy a nuanced flavor, add a bay leaf at this point. Stir everything together to combine, and then bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Once you achieve a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s the perfect moment to taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Simmering also thickens the sauce nicely so it clings to the pasta perfectly!

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

While your sauce is bustling away, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Cook until it’s just under al dente; it will finish cooking once added to the goulash. After draining, set it aside while the sauce finishes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce is ready, gently fold in the drained macaroni, allowing it to cook together for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the pasta fully absorbs the flavors of the sauce. If you’ve added a bay leaf, don’t forget to remove it before serving. Serve your delicious Old Fashioned Goulash hot alongside your favorite toppings or side dishes.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try using sausage for a spicier kick.
Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots to boost nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; it should remain slightly firm as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of beef broth – add more for a thinner sauce or less for a thicker one.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your goulash with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Top with freshly grated cheese or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.

Tips

For enhanced flavor, allow goulash to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — it reheats nicely in the microwave.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 20g per serving
Sodium: 500mg per serving

FAQs

Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

You can substitute other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a kick!

Conclusion

In summary, this Old Fashioned Goulash is a treasure trove of flavor that perfectly encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food. Heartwarming, adaptable, and uncomplicated, it’s the type of dish that invites conversation and moments of togetherness around the dining table. We encourage you to try out different variations suited to your preference, and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!