Old-Fashioned Goulash

Ah, goulash! Just saying the name stirs up so many warm memories for me. This hearty, soul-soothing dish has been my go-to comfort food since I was a kid. I remember it vividly—mom's happy hum as she stirred the bubbling pot, the aroma of savory beef and rich tomatoes wafting through the kitchen, and how everyone would eagerly gather around the table as the steam rose. It’s one of those meals that feels like a big hug, isn’t it? Today, I'm sharing my take on an old-fashioned goulash that combines nostalgia with a few of my personal kitchen secrets.

Why you'll love this recipe

Goulash has a magical way of bringing people together. It's not just about the food; it's about the experience, the laughter, and those happy faces around the dinner table. This dish is incredibly versatile, fitting for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, it's economical and satisfying—who doesn't love a one-pot wonder that fills your belly and warms your heart? The flavors meld beautifully as it simmers, creating a rich, savory dish that's packed with beefy goodness, fresh vegetables, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Yes, please!

Gather these ingredients

To create this comforting masterpiece, you'll need a handful of key ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef: Look for a good quality ground beef, ideally around 80% lean. It not only adds flavor but also provides that essential richness.

• 1 onion, chopped: A medium yellow onion will bring sweetness and depth to our dish. Sauté it until it turns translucent, and you’ll smell that savory sweetness filling the air.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the little magic spell that takes everything up a notch! Don’t skimp here; it adds such a wonderful aroma and flavor.

• 1 bell pepper, chopped: Go for a vibrant red or green bell pepper. It adds color and a slight crunch, balancing the soft textures of the beef and pasta.

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes packed in their juice for that lovely acidity. They lend extra depth to the overall flavor profile.

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: This will help thicken the goulash while making it extra saucy—because who doesn't love a good saucy dish?

• 2 cups beef broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works beautifully too. It provides the savory foundation for our goulash.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic choice! It soaks in all that delectable flavor while cooking, making every bite a delight.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A pinch of this blend—think oregano, basil, and thyme—helps to elevate our dish with those Italian vibes.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for dialing in that perfect flavor. Remember, seasoning is key!

• Grated cheese (optional): Who can resist gooey, melted cheese atop a warm bowl of goulash? It’s the crowning glory!

The cooking process explained

Now, let’s dive into the steps that will bring this all together:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once it's all nice and brown, drain any excess fat—no one wants a greasy goulash!

2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until they soften and become aromatic—about 3-5 minutes.

3. Stir in both the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the tomato sauce. Then pour in the beef broth; this is where the magic begins to happen!

4. Bring your mixture to a blissful boil. Once bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and watch the flavors meld!

5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This is when the pasta cooks and absorbs all that gorgeous sauce. Stir occasionally to keep everything moving and avoid sticking.

6. When it’s all cooked, taste and season with salt and pepper. Adjust to your liking; just remember, seasoning is key to unleashing those flavors!

7. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling indulgent, pass around grated cheese for topping. It transforms your goulash into a cheesy delight!

Best way to enjoy it

When it comes to serving this old-fashioned goulash, simplicity is often the best approach. A dollop of grated cheese on top adds that extra decadence. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping—trust me, you won’t want to leave even a drop of that savory sauce behind! For a fresh touch, a simple green salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect companion to cut through the richness.

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity around my house), you’re in luck! This goulash keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it has thickened too much. You can also freeze any extra goulash for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. Easy-peasy!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips to keep in your back pocket while crafting this classic dish:

• Don’t skip the browning of the beef; it develops flavor that you can't recreate by just boiling it.
• Feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge! Carrots, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach would work wonderfully.
• Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will wake up your taste buds!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can experiment with:

• Spicy Goulash: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms to maintain that hearty texture.
• Creamy Goulash: Stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese at the end for a luxurious touch.

Ingredients list

• 1 pound 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 beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese for serving (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then add elbow macaroni and Italian seasoning.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.

Your questions answered

• What can I prepare ahead of time? You can chop your veggies and even brown the beef the day before, storing everything in the fridge until you’re ready to finish the dish.

• How do I make it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while sautéing the onions and peppers!

• Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! Bow ties or shells could add a fun twist to your goulash.

• Is this a gluten-free dish? You can use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.

• What complements goulash? A side of pickled vegetables or cornbread pairs nicely, adding zest to your meal!

Remember, cooking is an adventure. Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors, and let your creativity shine! Take a leap of faith and try this goulash recipe—you’ll feel like a superstar chef in your kitchen as the aromas fill the air. Don't forget to drop a comment below once you've tried it; I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking, my friend!