Grandma’s Goulash Recipe

Grandma’s goulash recipe is a timeless comfort dish that brings together simple ingredients in one pot for a warm and hearty meal. Made with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a rich tomato-based sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a family on a budget, or enjoying a taste of nostalgic home cooking. It’s a meal that combines affordability, flavor, and comfort all in one.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato-based pasta sauce)
• 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf (2 if they are small)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
2. Add marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and continue to simmer for 5–10 more minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. If desired, top with cheese, cover again, and let rest for 5 minutes until the pasta thickens and the cheese melts.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your goulash hot with crusty garlic bread, cornbread, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. For extra comfort, sprinkle parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Freezing: Let the goulash cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 1–2 minute increments, stirring in between, or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot.

Variations

1. Cheesy Goulash – Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end and let it melt for a creamy, cheesy twist.
2. Spicy Goulash – Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
3. Vegetarian Goulash – Swap the beef for plant-based ground “meat” or add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
4. Mexican-Inspired Goulash – Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with cheddar cheese and cilantro.
5. Creamy Goulash – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for a rich, creamy texture.
6. Sausage Goulash – Use ground Italian sausage or half beef/half sausage for a flavorful twist.
7. Healthy Goulash – Use ground turkey or chicken, whole wheat pasta, and add spinach or kale for a lighter version.
8. Hungarian-Inspired Goulash – Add sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and diced carrots for a nod to the traditional Hungarian version.
9. Extra Hearty Goulash – Add diced potatoes or butternut squash for a more filling one-pot meal.
10. Cheeseburger Goulash – Mix in ketchup, mustard, and a little pickle relish before topping with cheddar cheese for a fun twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes, goulash reheats well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but canned tomatoes give the dish a rich, consistent flavor. If using fresh, peel and dice them before adding.

3. Do I have to use elbow macaroni?
No, you can use shells, rotini, penne, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

4. How do I keep pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure not to overcook. Stir occasionally and check pasta doneness after 10 minutes.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check your sauces for gluten-free labeling.

6. What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are popular, but parmesan or Monterey Jack are also delicious.

7. Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then cook on low for 4–5 hours, adding pasta in the last 30 minutes.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this is a great recipe for feeding a crowd—just use a larger pot.

9. Can I use water instead of beef broth?
Yes, but beef broth adds richer flavor. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube.

10. What sides go best with goulash?
Garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread are perfect pairings.

Grandma’s goulash recipe is a nostalgic, budget-friendly, and satisfying dish that everyone will love. With its tender pasta, savory beef, and zesty tomato sauce, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy families or anyone craving comfort food. Whether you make it classic, cheesy, or with a spicy twist, this goulash will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.

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