When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, nothing beats grandma’s goulash. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds and aromas that waft through the house, enticing everyone to gather around the dinner table. The hearty mix of ground beef, pasta, and a medley of veggies creates a symphony of textures and tastes that truly warms the soul.
I remember the first time I tasted grandma’s goulash; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and the smell wafting from the kitchen made my stomach growl louder than a hungry bear. My family would gather around as she served up generous portions, each bite reminding us of home and love. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish shines in every setting—one taste will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make dish combines delicious flavors with minimal effort
- It’s visually appealing with vibrant colors from fresh vegetables
- Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, grandma’s goulash is wonderfully adaptable for various diets and preferences
Every time I serve this recipe at gatherings, the compliments come pouring in—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef; it provides great flavor without too much grease.
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Elbow Macaroni: Small pasta works best as it holds the sauce beautifully.
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Onion: Use a yellow onion for sweetness; finely chop for even cooking.
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Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red or green peppers to add color and crunch.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide moisture and tang; look for those with no added sugar.
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Beef Broth: Preferably low-sodium to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
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Garlic Powder: This adds depth without overpowering the other flavors; my secret weapon!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the savory profile of the goulash.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential to bring out all those wonderful flavors; season to taste.
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Cheddar Cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for an indulgent finish—who can resist melty cheese?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil before tossing in diced onions and bell peppers until they soften and release their fragrant aroma.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until it’s browned all over while breaking it apart with your spatula—this will take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Pasta and Liquid Ingredients: Stir in elbow macaroni along with diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
Season It Up!: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Give it a good stir to ensure even distribution of flavors and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until macaroni is tender.
Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re feeling extra indulgent (and who isn’t?), sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover until melted for an ooey-gooey finish!
Serve It Up!: Once everything is cooked through and bubbling away happily in your pan, scoop generous portions into bowls. Top with more cheese if you’re feeling cheeky!
Now you have grandma’s goulash ready to be devoured! Enjoy every comforting bite as you reminisce about family gatherings or simply kick back after a long day—this dish is sure to hit all the right spots!
You Must Know
- Grandma’s goulash is more than a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The rich aromas and comforting flavors create an experience that resonates with family and warmth
- Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish will become your go-to for cozy gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat, then add onions and garlic before incorporating the pasta and sauce. This method builds flavor layers, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Experimenting lets you personalize grandma’s goulash to suit your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect goulash, use quality meat and avoid overcooking pasta
- Let it sit before serving to enhance flavors
- Don’t skip the seasoning—it’s the secret to mouthwatering results!
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about my grandma cooking goulash while sharing stories of her childhood. Those moments made me realize how food connects us across generations.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best in grandma’s goulash?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes.
Can I make grandma’s goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight, as flavors meld beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of grandma’s goulash?
Yes! Substitute meat with lentils or beans and add your favorite vegetables for heartiness.
Grandma’s Goulash
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Grandma’s goulash is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every gathering. This easy-to-make dish features a hearty blend of ground beef, elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables, and savory spices simmered to perfection. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or at a family potluck, each bite feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, this adaptable recipe can cater to various dietary preferences while satisfying any craving for home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no added sugar
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
- Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the macaroni is tender.
- If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover until melted.
- Serve in bowls and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For variation, substitute ground beef with turkey or add other veggies like carrots or zucchini. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.
