Grandma’s Goulash: A Comforting Family Classic Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s grandma’s goulash—a delightful pot of nostalgia simmering on the stove. Picture this: a bubbling cauldron filled with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a rich tomato sauce that wraps around you like a warm hug. The aroma wafts through the house, making your stomach do a little happy dance, beckoning everyone to gather ’round.

I remember weekends spent at my grandma’s kitchen table, where laughter mingled with the savory scent of her famous goulash. It was our go-to dish for family gatherings or chilly nights when we craved something hearty. Every bite transported me back to those treasured moments, and I knew I had to share this recipe with you. Trust me; it’s not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen!

I still remember the time I surprised my friends with this dish at a potluck—they devoured it faster than I could say “seconds,” and the compliments kept rolling in!

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.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor impact.

• Bell Peppers: Pick your favorite colors—red, yellow, or green—to brighten up the dish visually.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and adds depth to the flavor profile.

• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide acidity; choose fire-roasted varieties for extra flavor.

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping the dish moist.

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic here; it absorbs all the saucy goodness!

• Seasonings: Paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs unite in harmony for that authentic taste.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Gather your pots and pans because it’s time to create some magic in your kitchen!

Sautéing the Base Ingredients: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until browned and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.

Aromatic Boost with Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook until golden brown—this usually takes about 1 minute—allowing its aroma to fill your kitchen.

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

Incorporate Pasta and Seasonings: Toss in elbow macaroni along with paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir well to ensure every pasta piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 20 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally until pasta is al dente and flavors meld beautifully.

Finishing Touches and Serving Up!: Remove from heat once pasta is cooked through but still has bite. Serve hot with a sprinkle of cheese on top if desired—trust me; it’s heavenly!

And there you have it! Your very own bowl of grandma’s goulash—ready to nourish both body and soul. Don’t forget to share this delightful creation with family and friends; they’ll thank you later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, then sauté your vegetables while the pasta cooks to maximize flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

It was a chilly winter evening when I decided to whip up grandma’s goulash. My friends raved about it, and one even asked if I had secretly attended culinary school!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in grandma’s goulash?

You can use ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version.

Can I make grandma’s goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! It reheats well and often tastes better after the flavors meld overnight.

Is there a vegetarian option for grandma’s goulash?

Yes, just replace meat with lentils and vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian meal.

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Grandma’s Goulash

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Grandma’s goulash is a heartwarming dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and zesty tomatoes, all enveloped in rich seasoning. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Serve it hot with cheese on top for an irresistible meal that nourishes both body and soul.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian herbs

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and bell peppers for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Mix in elbow macaroni, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs; stir until well combined.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For extra nutrition, consider adding spinach or substituting ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.