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Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort straight from Central European kitchens, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and slow-cooked vegetables into a soul-warming meal. Rustic simplicity beckons hungry diners to savor each spoonful of this classic culinary tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1.5 cups (237 milliliters) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a capacious skillet and crumble ground beef, rendering it thoroughly cooked and eliminating excess fat through careful draining.
  2. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, gently sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and rich beef broth into the mixture, creating a robust liquid base. Enhance flavors with paprika, oregano, seasoning salts, and ground black pepper.
  4. Incorporate uncooked macaroni and vibrant bell peppers directly into the simmering sauce, allowing ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
  5. Cover the skillet, reducing heat to low, and allow the goulash to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
  6. Once cooking concludes, remove from heat and let the dish rest momentarily to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to intensify.
  7. Garnish with sharp shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed presentation ready for serving.

Notes

  • Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Select lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the classic goulash.
  • Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Replace traditional macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg