Description
Hungarian goulash, a hearty peasant stew from Hungary, blends tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting vegetables. Diners will savor robust flavors that connect them to traditional Central European culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean base for the goulash.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a rich, flavorful liquid foundation.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
- Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, cooking for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Optional: Incorporate shredded cheese into the goulash, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Remove from heat and let the goulash rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve piping hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add extra depth of flavor.
- For a gluten-free alternative, swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to suit dietary needs.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and a subtle vegetable boost that kids might enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 2450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg