Comforting Grandma’s Goulash: A Hearty Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about grandma’s goulash. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, with every spoonful bursting with savory flavors and tender textures. As the aroma wafts through your home, you can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for that first bite, promising to transport you back to simpler times.

Every family gathering had its signature dishes, but none could compete with grandma’s goulash. This hearty meal, simmering away on the stove, was always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it was a chilly autumn evening or just another Sunday dinner, the sight of that bubbling pot brought everyone to the table with hungry smiles.

Sharing this dish with friends and family always brings joy and laughter, especially when they ask for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthy option without sacrificing flavor; it keeps everything nice and juicy.

• Onions: Fresh onions add sweetness; chop them finely for even distribution throughout the goulash.

• Bell Peppers: Red or green bell peppers contribute vibrant color and crunch; feel free to mix them up based on your preference.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes create a rich base; choose ones with added herbs for extra flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice for goulash; cook until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor; use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning; it infuses the dish with aromatic goodness without overpowering other flavors.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully; don’t skimp on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add some oil and toss in chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant, around 5 minutes.

Brown the Meat: Increase the heat slightly and add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart while cooking until it’s browned all over—about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes along with their juices and pour in beef broth. Let everything come together while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Incorporate Pasta and Seasonings: Toss in elbow macaroni along with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce.

Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer gently for about 20 minutes until pasta is cooked through and absorbs those delicious flavors.

Serve It Up!: Once done, give everything a good stir before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired—this is where your masterpiece comes alive!

Enjoy your grandma’s goulash not just as food but as an experience—a story shared around the dinner table filled with laughter, memories, and love!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat and onions first, then add your tomatoes and spices for maximum flavor infusion. This sequence ensures perfect texture and a delightful aroma.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add beans for extra protein! You can also play around with spices to suit your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove to preserve that homemade goodness.

Nothing beats the warmth of sharing grandma’s goulash with friends who rave about it long after dinner’s over. It’s pure comfort food magic!

FAQ

What can I substitute if I don’t have ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

How can I make grandma’s goulash spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.

Can I freeze leftover goulash?

Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months for easy meals later.

Print

Grandma’s Goulash

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience the warm embrace of Grandma’s Goulash, a hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and vibrant vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings, this nostalgic recipe is sure to delight with its comforting flavors and inviting aroma. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, each bite brings back cherished memories and laughter around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef; cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth; scrape any flavorful bits from the pot.
4. Incorporate elbow macaroni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; mix well.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until pasta is tender and flavors meld.
6. Stir before serving; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg