There is something utterly delightful about a steaming bowl of grandma’s goulash, filled with rich flavors and comforting aromas that wrap around you like a warm hug. Picture it: tender ground beef mingling with vibrant vegetables, all swimming in a savory tomato sauce that’s as satisfying as your favorite childhood blanket. cheesy baked vegetable rolls The moment you take that first bite, you’re transported back to simpler times, where the biggest worry was whether you’d have room for dessert.
Now imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, laughter echoing as everyone digs into that perfect bowl of goulash. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a tradition passed down through generations, promising warmth and joy with every spoonful. Get ready to savor the magic as we embark on this culinary adventure together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cozy dish is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its flavor profile combines savory and slightly sweet notes for satisfaction
- The vibrant colors of the ingredients create an inviting visual appeal on any table
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand
My best friend once declared grandma’s goulash “the best cure for a bad day,” and I couldn’t agree more. After a tough week, there’s nothing quite like diving into a bowl of this deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease; it absorbs flavors wonderfully while remaining juicy.
-
Onion: Sweet onions add a lovely depth of flavor; finely chop them for even cooking.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma; use minced cloves to really pack in that flavor.
-
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch; choose a mix for visual appeal.
-
Tomato Sauce: Opt for quality tomato sauce; it serves as the flavorful base of our goulash.
-
Pasta: Small elbow macaroni works perfectly; it captures all that delicious sauce in every bite.
-
Spices (Paprika, Oregano): These spices add warmth and complexity; don’t skip them for an authentic taste.
-
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start with Cooking the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary before adding onions. For more inspiration, check out this French Onion Casserole recipe.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in chopped onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant—approximately 3-4 minutes will do!
Toss in Bell Peppers and Spices: Add your colorful bell peppers along with paprika and oregano. Sauté everything together until the peppers soften—about another 5 minutes for peak tastiness.
Mingle with Tomato Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce followed by about one cup of water; stir well before adding uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Reduce heat to low and cover your skillet, allowing it to simmer while stirring occasionally—about 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish with Seasoning Adjustments : Taste your masterpiece! Add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot straight from the skillet or let cool before storing leftovers.
Now you’re set to enjoy grandma’s goulash! Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side for complete comfort food bliss. ultimate comfort food recipe Your family will thank you—and so will your taste buds! quick herb cheese bread. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Lentil Stew Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This comforting grandma’s goulash is more than a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The rich, savory aroma fills your kitchen, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite
- With simple ingredients, you can whip up this hearty dish quickly and easily
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then add onions and garlic for flavor. After that, stir in the tomatoes, broth, and noodles for optimal cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect flavor, let the goulash simmer longer; this enhances all those delicious notes
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed
- Don’t skip browning the meat; it’s crucial for depth of flavor!
Sharing grandma’s goulash recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter and good food filled the air. chewy chocolate mint cookies.
FAQ
Can I make grandma’s goulash ahead of time?
Yes, this dish tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge!
What sides go well with grandma’s goulash?
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Is grandma’s goulash freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze portions in airtight containers for quick meals later on.
Grandma’s Goulash
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Grandma’s goulash is a heartwarming, one-pot dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table. This savory blend of lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and elbow macaroni simmered in a rich tomato sauce creates a delightful meal that the whole family will love. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Get ready to capture the essence of home-cooked goodness with every delicious bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 2 cups quality tomato sauce
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers, paprika, and oregano; sauté for another 5 minutes until peppers soften.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and one cup of water; mix well before adding uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or add more veggies like zucchini. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
