Name: Hearty Grandma's Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option); 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

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There’s something special about a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and this Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is one of those dishes that’s both comforting and full of nostalgia. With its tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory beef, and a touch of seasoning, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or any time you want a meal that satisfies from the inside out—this is the recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is everything you need in a comforting dish: easy to make, affordable, and packed with flavor. It’s hearty, filling, and wonderfully simple, yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce makes it a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy nights. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better as leftovers, so make a big batch!

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of what you’ll need to make this comforting goulash (the full ingredient list is below):

Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
Elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
Onion
Garlic
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Beef broth (or water)
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper

For the full list of ingredients with quantities, see below.

Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. This step adds the savory base flavor to the goulash.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This will give your goulash an extra layer of flavor.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Cook the Pasta

While the beef and tomato mixture is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the simmering beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Spoon out a hearty portion into bowls and enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic dish. It’s best served hot, but don’t be surprised if you end up sneaking a bite straight from the pot—it’s that good.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Lean Meat: If you want a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the beef in this recipe. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.
Simmer for More Flavor: If you have the time, let the sauce simmer longer—30 minutes or so. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop and meld together.
Add Some Veggies: You can sneak in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. Just chop them up small and sauté them with the onions and garlic.
Boost the Cheese Factor: For an extra cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheese into the goulash before serving, or top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use Different Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Penne, rotini, or even fusilli would work great here.
Add Spices for Extra Kick: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. It adds a nice heat that balances well with the richness of the sauce.
Swap the Meat: As mentioned, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute will work in place of the beef.
Make it Dairy-Free: If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese or opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is filling enough to stand on its own, but it’s always nice to pair it with a few sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread to round out the meal. A side of roasted vegetables or even some steamed broccoli would also work beautifully, adding a fresh element to balance out the rich goulash.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store any extra goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheated meal.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make this goulash in advance?
Yes, this goulash is actually even better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge to let the flavors develop. Just reheat before serving.

2. Can I freeze this goulash?
Yes! You can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stovetop.

3. Can I add beans to this goulash?
Certainly! If you want to add a bit more texture and nutrition, kidney beans or black beans can be added to the sauce. Just add them along with the tomatoes and broth and simmer until heated through.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them. You’ll need about 5-6 medium tomatoes, diced. You may want to cook them a bit longer to break them down into a sauce-like consistency.

Conclusion

Hearty Grandma’s Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—a simple, no-fuss dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can make a delicious meal that’ll feed your whole family and leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this goulash will always hit the spot. Try it out, and enjoy a dish that’s as timeless as Grandma herself!

Hearty Grandma’s Goulash

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

A comforting, one-pot meal featuring tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce that will remind you of family dinners and the warmth of home. Hearty and satisfying, this goulash is the perfect dish for any occasion.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook elbow macaroni (or your pasta) according to the package directions. Drain.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the simmering beef and tomato mixture. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot. Optionally top with shredded cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
For extra flavor, simmer the sauce longer (30 minutes) to deepen the taste.
Add sautéed vegetables (like bell peppers or mushrooms) for extra nutrition.