Quick Overview
Grandma’s Goulash is more than just a dish; it’s a delicious comfort food that warms the heart and brings families together. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce that will remind you of home. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful dish that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ground Beef
You will need 1 pound of ground beef for your goulash. This ingredient serves as the main protein source and provides a rich flavor base. Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier while still enjoying its savory taste.
Elbow Macaroni
Use 2 cups of elbow macaroni in your recipe. The pasta adds bulk and texture to the dish. It absorbs the flavors from the sauce beautifully and makes each bite satisfying and filling.
Onion
Chop one medium onion for added flavor. Onions offer sweetness and depth to the goulash. Sautéing them until translucent enhances their natural flavor and aroma, making your dish even more inviting.
Bell Pepper
Include one cup of diced bell pepper in your ingredients. This adds color and crunch to your goulash. Both green or red bell peppers work well; they contribute a mild sweetness that complements the savory elements.
Diced Tomatoes
Use one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juice for a tasty base. The tomatoes bring moisture and acidity to balance the richness of the meat. They also provide vibrant color along with essential nutrients.
Tomato Sauce
Add 15 ounces of tomato sauce for additional flavor and consistency. Tomato sauce thickens the mixture while enriching it with savory goodness. It binds all ingredients together, creating that classic goulash texture.
Garlic Powder
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for an aromatic touch. Garlic powder enhances the overall taste without overpowering other flavors. It adds warmth that pairs perfectly with beef and tomatoes.
Italian Seasoning
Use 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for herbal notes. This blend typically includes oregano, basil, and thyme, which collectively enhance your goulash’s flavor profile without needing multiple spices.
Salt and Pepper
Season with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors in your dish. Adjust according to personal preference for a well-balanced result.
Step By Step Recipe: Grandma’s Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot once it is hot enough. Cook until browned thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning—approximately 5-7 minutes should suffice.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers
After browning the beef, add one chopped onion and one cup of diced bell pepper directly into the pot with the meat. Stir frequently until both onions become translucent and peppers soften—about 3-4 minutes will do nicely.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in one can of diced tomatoes (including juice) along with 15 ounces of tomato sauce into the pot with sautéed vegetables and meat mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly before proceeding further.
Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder along with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning followed by salt and pepper to taste into your pot mixture now simmering away nicely on medium heat—mix well ensuring everything is coated evenly with spices.
Step 5: Stir in Elbow Macaroni
Once all ingredients are combined smoothly within your pot’s contents above mentioned; add in two cups of elbow macaroni next! Stir gently yet thoroughly so that no clumps remain before covering it up tightly with lid afterward keeping heat steady at medium-low level!
Step 6: Simmer Until Cooked
Allow mixture inside pot covered tightly simmer gently—stir occasionally—for about 20 minutes or until elbow macaroni reaches desired tenderness while absorbing delicious flavors around them! Make sure not too much liquid evaporates during this time though!
Step 7: Serve Hot
Once cooked through completely; remove from heat source carefully taking off lid revealing fragrant aroma from freshly made goulash! Ladle generous portions onto bowls serving warm garnished if desired before enjoying delightful meal prepared lovingly!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma’s Goulash hot straight from the pot for maximum enjoyment! Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad on side for balanced meal experience adding variety alongside comfort food staple itself! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish among family members gathered around dining table together!
Storage Guidelines
Store any leftover grandma’s goulash in an airtight container within refrigerator after cooling down completely first ensuring freshness maintained longer! Leftovers last about three days safely stored away; reheating easily done using microwave or stovetop method until heated through again before serving up once more!
By following these guidelines closely you’ll create delicious grandma’s goulash every time enjoyed by everyone involved making mealtime special!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Grandma’s Goulash is not browning the meat properly. Ensure you take the time to brown the beef thoroughly in a hot pan. This step adds depth of flavor and richness to your dish. Skipping this process can lead to a bland goulash that lacks character.
Another mistake is using too much liquid. Goulash should be thick and hearty, not soupy. Stick to the recommended measurements for broth and tomato sauce to maintain the right consistency. Too much liquid can dilute the flavors and ruin the overall texture.
Failing to taste as you go can result in an unbalanced dish. Regularly sample your goulash while it cooks, adjusting seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices as needed. This ensures that each bite bursts with flavor and meets your personal taste preference.
Not allowing enough time for simmering is another error. Goulash benefits from low-and-slow cooking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully. If you rush this step, you may end up with a dish that tastes rushed or undercooked.
Lastly, using fresh herbs at the wrong stage can diminish their flavor impact. Add delicate herbs like parsley towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness and vibrant taste. Adding them too early might result in a muted flavor profile.
Tips and tricks
To create a delicious Grandma’s Goulash, start with quality ingredients. Use lean ground beef or turkey as they provide a great base without being overly greasy. Pair your meat with fresh vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic for added flavor and nutrition. The combination of these ingredients sets a solid foundation for your dish.
Layering flavors is crucial in goulash preparation. Begin by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant before adding meat; this builds depth in flavor right from the start. Season each layer as you go rather than waiting until the end; this practice ensures that every ingredient shines through.
Consider incorporating different types of pasta into your goulash for variety. While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells or rotini can add interesting textures and capture more sauce. Cook pasta separately before adding it to ensure optimal doneness without overcooking once combined with other ingredients.
Adjusting seasoning throughout cooking will significantly enhance your dish’s overall taste. Try adding Worcestershire sauce or Italian seasoning for additional complexity; just be cautious with salt since broth often contains sodium already. Remember that each ingredient contributes unique flavors that can shift during cooking.
Lastly, let your goulash rest after cooking before serving it up. Allowing it to sit helps flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish when plated up later on. Cover it with a lid during this resting period so it retains warmth while enhancing overall taste.
Suggestions for Grandma’s Goulash
For an extra kick in flavor, try adding diced tomatoes or tomato paste along with your sauce when making Grandma’s Goulash. This addition provides acidity that balances richness from meat while giving color and texture to the final dish.
Incorporating beans can also enhance both protein content and texture in goulash recipes. Kidney beans or black beans work particularly well alongside traditional ingredients, offering heartiness without altering original flavors too drastically.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Both options provide comparable texture while delivering ample nutrients without meat’s heaviness; you’ll still enjoy satisfying results!
Pairing goulash with crusty bread makes for an excellent meal experience overall; serve slices alongside warm bowls of stew-like goodness! A simple side salad can brighten up dinner plates while balancing out richness found in dishes such as this one.
Finally, consider garnishing individual servings of goulash with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving them at family gatherings! These finishing touches elevate presentation levels while providing delightful bursts of flavor that everyone will appreciate!
FAQs
What is Grandma’s Goulash?
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish typically made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, and various seasonings. Originating from Hungarian cuisine but adapted across different cultures, it’s known for its hearty nature and ease of preparation—perfect for feeding families on busy weeknights!
Can I make Grandma’s Goulash ahead of time?
Yes! Making Grandma’s Goulash ahead of time is an excellent idea since flavors deepen when allowed to rest overnight in the fridge. Store leftovers tightly sealed in an airtight container; simply reheat on stovetop or microwave when ready to serve again!
What pasta works best for Grandma’s Goulash?
While elbow macaroni remains classic for goulash recipes, other pasta shapes like shells or rotini also work well due to their ability to hold onto sauce effectively! Choose whichever type appeals most—you’ll still create a delicious meal regardless!
Can I freeze Grandma’s Goulash?
Absolutely! Freezing individual portions allows easy reheating later on for quick meals throughout busy weeks ahead! Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers; label them clearly so nothing gets forgotten deep inside your freezer!
How long does Grandma’s Goulash last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Grandma’s Goulash lasts about three days in the refrigerator without losing quality or safety! Just remember—always check for signs of spoilage prior consumption after extended storage periods!
Is Grandma’s Goulash gluten-free?
To make gluten-free variations of Grandma’s Goulash use gluten-free pasta alternatives made from rice or lentils instead! Additionally ensure any broth used doesn’t contain gluten-containing additives—research labels carefully if unsure about specific products available locally!
Summary
In summary, perfecting Grandma’s Goulash involves careful attention to detail throughout its preparation process—from selecting quality ingredients to avoiding common mistakes along the way! By considering helpful tips shared here today—such as layering flavors correctly—you’ll create a delightful meal everyone will love enjoying together around family tables! With thoughtful suggestions provided above regarding customization options too—there are endless possibilities within this cherished recipe tradition worth exploring further!
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Grandma’s Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting and hearty dish is a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings. Grandma’s Goulash is a delicious blend of ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the elbow macaroni.
5. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve hot with grated cheese on top if desired.
Notes
This goulash can be made ahead of time and reheated. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 20g
Keywords: goulash, comfort food, easy recipe