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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hungarian goulash showcases hearty beef stew perfected through generations of culinary tradition. Rich spices and tender meat create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Tomato Base:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown ground beef, ensuring no pink remains.
  2. Drain accumulated fat from the meat, leaving behind a lean base for the goulash.
  3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a rich and flavorful liquid base.
  6. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.
  7. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for 12-15 minutes and stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  8. Test pasta for tenderness and ensure sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for an additional layer of creamy richness before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance the flavor by using high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for richer taste.
  • For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative without compromising the dish’s hearty character.
  • Customize the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra kick.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg