Old Fashioned Goulash
235
18
1.30k
Old Fashioned Goulash brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the dining table. It’s a dish that many of us grew up enjoying, often made by our parents or grandparents, and perfectly suited for family gatherings. The comforting combination of ground meat, hearty pasta, and savory flavors strikes a balance that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this goulash recipe captures the essence of home cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One of the standout features of Old Fashioned Goulash is its incredible versatility. It’s a budget-friendly option that can easily feed a crowd, making it perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers. The recipe is straightforward and can be thrown together with pantry staples, making it a favorite among busy home cooks. Plus, who doesn’t love a hearty one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup?
"This Old Fashioned Goulash is just like my grandma used to make! It’s hearty, filling, and so comforting. Perfect for the whole family!" – A satisfied home cook.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Old Fashioned Goulash is an enjoyable process that combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish. You start by browning the meat, followed by sautéing the aromatic vegetables, adding in your liquids and seasonings, and then letting everything simmer together. Finally, you mix in the uncooked elbow macaroni, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors. It’s a delightful journey from raw ingredients to a steaming pot of comfort!
What You’ll Need
Gather these essential ingredients for your goulash:
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and sauté until it’s halfway cooked. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and diced onions into the meat. Return to heat and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned.
- Pour in the water and beef broth. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are combined. Cover and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and combined, and just before serving, sprinkle on the mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite. ENJOY!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Old Fashioned Goulash is a dish that stands well on its own but is even better with a few simple accompaniments. Consider pairing it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread for a perfect combination. A glass of red wine or sparkling water can also elevate your dining experience. If you’re serving it for a gathering, consider offering grated cheese or chopped parsley as optional toppings for guests to personalize their bowl.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three to four days. When reheating, simply microwave individual portions or warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. For longer storage, goulash freezes well! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-friendly containers, where it can last up to three months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Brown the meat well for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the bay leaves; they add an aromatic quality to the dish.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving!
Creative Twists
The beauty of Old Fashioned Goulash lies in its adaptability! You can play with the flavors by adding in vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Feeling spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a completely different flair, try swapping out the seasonings with taco seasoning and turn it into a taco goulash!
FAQs
What’s the prep time for Old Fashioned Goulash?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of approximately 50 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you have on hand.
Is Old Fashioned Goulash suitable for freezing?
Yes, it’s perfect for freezing! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before storing, and remember to label the container with the date.
These cooking tips and alternatives will help ensure your goulash becomes a family favorite, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy cooking and sharing this timeless dish!
Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and sauté until it’s halfway cooked. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and diced onions into the meat. Return to heat and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned.
- Pour in the water and beef broth. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are combined. Cover and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and combined, and just before serving, sprinkle on the mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.
