Delightful Grandma’s Goulash Recipe for Cozy Nights

The rich aroma of grandma’s goulash recipe fills the air, promising a comforting meal that warms the soul. Each spoonful bursts with flavors that dance on your palate, and the textures create a delightful harmony that keeps you reaching for more.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, reminiscent of family gatherings where laughter mingles with the scent of spices. Now, imagine serving this to your friends and reveling in their joyful reactions as they savor every bite. It’s like a culinary time machine transporting you back to cozy kitchen moments.

I remember the first time I made grandma’s goulash recipe for my friends; their happy faces made all the effort worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Onions: Fresh onions add a sweet base; sauté until they’re translucent for the best results.

• Garlic: Minced garlic elevates the flavor; fresh garlic cloves work wonders.

• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for visual appeal and sweetness in every bite.

• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide moisture and acidity, balancing the richness of the meat.

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes.

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth and warmth; adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in your goulash.

• Cheddar Cheese (optional): For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the onions, bell peppers, and garlic finely. Gather all spices and canned items so everything is ready for action.

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften and release their delightful aroma.

Add Ground Beef: Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with your spatula, ensuring it’s fully cooked through before moving on.

Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant—about one minute will do!

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes along with their juices and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.

Add Pasta and Cook Through: Mix in elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Now you have grandma’s goulash recipe prepared perfectly! Serve hot, perhaps topped with shredded cheese for that extra comfort factor everyone loves. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure your grandma’s goulash recipe turns out perfectly every time, start by browning the ground beef first. Then, add onions and peppers while cooking the pasta separately to save time and enhance flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Sometimes I find myself daydreaming about my grandma’s goulash while cooking other meals; it always brings back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter.

FAQ

How can I make my goulash spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your grandma’s goulash recipe for extra heat.

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this comforting dish.

What sides pair well with goulash?

Serve your grandma’s goulash recipe with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for balance.

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Grandma’s Goulash

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Grandma’s goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and tender pasta in a rich, aromatic sauce. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also evokes cherished memories of cozy kitchen moments.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: One-pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Mix in elbow macaroni; cover pot and simmer for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg