There’s something about grandmas goulash that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember coming home from school to the delightful aroma of this hearty dish wafting through the house—it instantly made my day better! This recipe is a treasure from my childhood, a simple yet satisfying blend of ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato sauce that brings everyone to the table. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to clean out the fridge. Trust me, this comforting dish is not just a meal; it’s a cozy memory wrapped in every spoonful, ready to be shared with loved ones or enjoyed on a quiet evening in. Let’s dive into making this delicious classic together!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Grandmas Goulash
Making grandmas goulash is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to whip up this comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1 – Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Browning the beef properly is crucial; it develops rich flavor and adds depth to the dish. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step!
Step 2 – Cook the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. The moment these hit the pot, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma! Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the goulash.
Step 3 – Combine Sauces and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting all those flavors meld beautifully together. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4 – Add the Pasta
Next up, add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until the pasta is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly. You want that creamy, hearty consistency!
Step 5 – Serve Hot
Once it’s ready, ladle the goulash into bowls and enjoy it hot. I love garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little grated cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Trust me, it’s the perfect finishing touch to this cozy meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Comforting flavor that feels like a warm embrace.
- Versatile—add any veggies you have on hand for a personal touch.
- Perfect for feeding a family or enjoying as leftovers.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- A one-pot meal that means fewer dishes to clean!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for grandmas goulash! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a hearty meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also gives you a good balance of nutrients!
FAQ Section
Got questions about grandmas goulash? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some common queries!
Can I substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as lean meats may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
No problem! Use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container!
Can I freeze grandmas goulash?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I spice it up?
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It’s a fantastic way to kick up the flavor!
Tips for Success
To make your grandmas goulash truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure to cook the pasta al dente for that perfect bite—no one likes mushy pasta! You can always add a splash more beef broth if it gets too thick while simmering. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste; a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of extra Italian herbs can elevate the dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Enjoy the process, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your grandmas goulash is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick meal—just cover it loosely to prevent splatters. If it seems a bit thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to bring back that lovely creamy texture. Enjoy every comforting bite again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or explore this chicken and broccoli salad for a fresh twist!
Z nadrukami
Grandmas Goulash: 5 Heartwarming Reasons to Love It
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A hearty and comforting dish made with ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato sauce.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and reduce heat. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: grandmas goulash, comfort food, pasta, beef
