Easy Grandma’s Goulash Comforting and Simple Dish

by
- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 1 tsp paprika - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste In making Easy Grandma's Goulash, the main ingredients focus on hearty flavors. Ground beef brings protein and richness to the dish. Chopped onion and minced garlic add a savory base. Bell peppers offer a nice crunch and sweetness. Diced tomatoes provide moisture and tang. Beef broth adds depth, while elbow macaroni gives the meal its comforting texture. Finally, spices like paprika and Italian seasoning enhance the overall flavor. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping) - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) For a touch of richness, add shredded cheddar cheese on top. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. These optional ingredients can elevate the dish but are not required for a delicious goulash. - Large pot or Dutch oven - Wooden spoon You will need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. This helps heat everything evenly. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients. It won’t scratch your pot and gives you good control while mixing. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed steps in the next section. - Browning the ground beef First, I heat a large pot over medium heat. I add 1 pound of ground beef. I cook it until it turns brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. I break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step brings out the beef's rich flavor. - Sautéing the onions and garlic Next, I add a chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. I sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. I wait until the onion turns soft and clear. This makes the dish smell great and adds depth to the flavor. - Adding vegetables and combining ingredients Then, I stir in a chopped bell pepper. I cook it for about 3 minutes. After that, I pour in a can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. I also add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. I mix everything well. I season this with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Letting it simmer I bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, I reduce the heat to low. I cover it and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The macaroni should be al dente when done. - Garnishing with cheese and parsley If I want, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. I cover the pot for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. I also like to add fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Pairing with bread or salad This goulash tastes great with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It makes a hearty meal that warms the soul. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Using fresh spices makes a big difference. Fresh spices give your goulash a bright flavor. Try to use paprika and Italian seasoning straight from the jar. If you grind spices yourself, they taste even better. Focus on cooking techniques too. Browning the beef well adds a rich taste. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. This step builds a great base for your dish. You can easily adjust seasonings to match your taste. If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes. Want it milder? Just skip the spicy extras. Adding more vegetables can enhance the dish. Chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms blend well in this recipe. They add nutrition and flavor while keeping it colorful. To avoid sticky macaroni, stir often while it cooks. It helps keep the pasta separate and tender. Use a large pot to give the macaroni space. When cooking, make sure everything is even. Stir the mixture every few minutes. This keeps flavors balanced and prevents burning. Follow these tips, and your goulash will shine. For the full recipe, check the Easy Grandma's Goulash section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in goulash for some fun. Ground turkey works well. It’s leaner but still tasty. You can also try sausage. It adds a nice spice. If you prefer plant-based meals, use lentils or plant-based ground meat. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. Adding more veggies makes goulash even better. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Peas add a nice pop of green. For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños. They give the dish a fun heat. Mix and match your favorite vegetables to find your perfect blend. Want to change the base? Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for those with gluten issues. You can also use rice instead of pasta. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything cooks right. Both options offer great texture and flavor. After enjoying your goulash, let it cool for a bit. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure not to leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled goulash into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top since it may expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps it safe and tasty. You can reheat goulash on the stove or in the microwave. On the stove, gently heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on it to ensure it warms evenly. How long to cook goulash? You need to cook goulash for about 30 minutes. This includes browning the beef and simmering the pasta. Make sure to check the pasta for doneness as it cooks. Can I make goulash ahead of time? Yes, you can make goulash ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve. What can I substitute for beef broth? You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Both options add flavor without changing the dish too much. Can I skip the cheese? Absolutely, you can skip the cheese. The goulash will still taste great. You can add extra herbs or spices for flavor if you want. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings. It depends on how hungry everyone is. How to adjust the recipe for larger groups? To serve more people, just double the ingredients. Cook it in a bigger pot. Make sure to stir well to mix everything evenly. In this blog post, we explored the essentials for making goulash. We covered key ingredients, including ground beef, veggies, and broth. I shared cooking steps from browning beef to garnishing your dish. Custom tips helped you enhance its flavor and make it your own. Remember, you can adapt ingredients and add your twists. Goulash is flexible and forgiving, making it a fun dish to prepare. I hope you feel ready to create a hearty meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a dish that warms the heart? Easy Grandma’s Goulash is your answer. This simple, comforting recipe brings family together at the dinner table with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to make it using everyday ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish delivers flavor without fuss. Let’s dive into how to whip up this classic meal that feels like home!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Needed

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

– 2 cups beef broth

– 1 cup elbow macaroni

– 1 tsp paprika

– 1 tsp Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

In making Easy Grandma’s Goulash, the main ingredients focus on hearty flavors. Ground beef brings protein and richness to the dish. Chopped onion and minced garlic add a savory base. Bell peppers offer a nice crunch and sweetness. Diced tomatoes provide moisture and tang. Beef broth adds depth, while elbow macaroni gives the meal its comforting texture. Finally, spices like paprika and Italian seasoning enhance the overall flavor.

Optional Ingredients

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For a touch of richness, add shredded cheddar cheese on top. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. These optional ingredients can elevate the dish but are not required for a delicious goulash.

Cooking Equipment

– Large pot or Dutch oven

– Wooden spoon

You will need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. This helps heat everything evenly. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients. It won’t scratch your pot and gives you good control while mixing. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed steps in the next section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Browning the ground beef

First, I heat a large pot over medium heat. I add 1 pound of ground beef. I cook it until it turns brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. I break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step brings out the beef’s rich flavor.

– Sautéing the onions and garlic

Next, I add a chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. I sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. I wait until the onion turns soft and clear. This makes the dish smell great and adds depth to the flavor.

Cooking Process

– Adding vegetables and combining ingredients

Then, I stir in a chopped bell pepper. I cook it for about 3 minutes. After that, I pour in a can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. I also add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. I mix everything well. I season this with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

– Letting it simmer

I bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, I reduce the heat to low. I cover it and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The macaroni should be al dente when done.

Serving Suggestions

– Garnishing with cheese and parsley

If I want, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. I cover the pot for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. I also like to add fresh parsley for a pop of color.

– Pairing with bread or salad

This goulash tastes great with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It makes a hearty meal that warms the soul. For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Making it Authentic

Using fresh spices makes a big difference. Fresh spices give your goulash a bright flavor. Try to use paprika and Italian seasoning straight from the jar. If you grind spices yourself, they taste even better. Focus on cooking techniques too. Browning the beef well adds a rich taste. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. This step builds a great base for your dish.

Customizing Flavor

You can easily adjust seasonings to match your taste. If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes. Want it milder? Just skip the spicy extras. Adding more vegetables can enhance the dish. Chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms blend well in this recipe. They add nutrition and flavor while keeping it colorful.

Cooking Techniques

To avoid sticky macaroni, stir often while it cooks. It helps keep the pasta separate and tender. Use a large pot to give the macaroni space. When cooking, make sure everything is even. Stir the mixture every few minutes. This keeps flavors balanced and prevents burning. Follow these tips, and your goulash will shine. For the full recipe, check the Easy Grandma’s Goulash section above.

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can switch up the protein in goulash for some fun. Ground turkey works well. It’s leaner but still tasty. You can also try sausage. It adds a nice spice. If you prefer plant-based meals, use lentils or plant-based ground meat. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

Vegetable Additions

Adding more veggies makes goulash even better. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Peas add a nice pop of green. For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños. They give the dish a fun heat. Mix and match your favorite vegetables to find your perfect blend.

Alternative Grains

Want to change the base? Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for those with gluten issues. You can also use rice instead of pasta. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything cooks right. Both options offer great texture and flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your goulash, let it cool for a bit. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure not to leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth.

Freezing Goulash

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled goulash into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top since it may expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps it safe and tasty.

Reheating Tips

You can reheat goulash on the stove or in the microwave. On the stove, gently heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on it to ensure it warms evenly.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long to cook goulash?

You need to cook goulash for about 30 minutes. This includes browning the beef and simmering the pasta. Make sure to check the pasta for doneness as it cooks.

Can I make goulash ahead of time?

Yes, you can make goulash ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

What can I substitute for beef broth?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Both options add flavor without changing the dish too much.

Can I skip the cheese?

Absolutely, you can skip the cheese. The goulash will still taste great. You can add extra herbs or spices for flavor if you want.

Serving Sizes

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings. It depends on how hungry everyone is.

How to adjust the recipe for larger groups?

To serve more people, just double the ingredients. Cook it in a bigger pot. Make sure to stir well to mix everything evenly.

In this blog post, we explored the essentials for making goulash. We covered key ingredients, including ground beef, veggies, and broth. I shared cooking steps from browning beef to garnishing your dish. Custom tips helped you enhance its flavor and make it your own. Remember, you can adapt ingredients and add your twists.

Goulash is flexible and forgiving, making it a fun dish to prepare. I hope you feel ready to create a hearty meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 1 tsp paprika - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste In making Easy Grandma's Goulash, the main ingredients focus on hearty flavors. Ground beef brings protein and richness to the dish. Chopped onion and minced garlic add a savory base. Bell peppers offer a nice crunch and sweetness. Diced tomatoes provide moisture and tang. Beef broth adds depth, while elbow macaroni gives the meal its comforting texture. Finally, spices like paprika and Italian seasoning enhance the overall flavor. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping) - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) For a touch of richness, add shredded cheddar cheese on top. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. These optional ingredients can elevate the dish but are not required for a delicious goulash. - Large pot or Dutch oven - Wooden spoon You will need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. This helps heat everything evenly. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients. It won’t scratch your pot and gives you good control while mixing. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed steps in the next section. - Browning the ground beef First, I heat a large pot over medium heat. I add 1 pound of ground beef. I cook it until it turns brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. I break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step brings out the beef's rich flavor. - Sautéing the onions and garlic Next, I add a chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. I sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. I wait until the onion turns soft and clear. This makes the dish smell great and adds depth to the flavor. - Adding vegetables and combining ingredients Then, I stir in a chopped bell pepper. I cook it for about 3 minutes. After that, I pour in a can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. I also add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. I mix everything well. I season this with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Letting it simmer I bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, I reduce the heat to low. I cover it and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The macaroni should be al dente when done. - Garnishing with cheese and parsley If I want, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. I cover the pot for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. I also like to add fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Pairing with bread or salad This goulash tastes great with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It makes a hearty meal that warms the soul. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Using fresh spices makes a big difference. Fresh spices give your goulash a bright flavor. Try to use paprika and Italian seasoning straight from the jar. If you grind spices yourself, they taste even better. Focus on cooking techniques too. Browning the beef well adds a rich taste. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft. This step builds a great base for your dish. You can easily adjust seasonings to match your taste. If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes. Want it milder? Just skip the spicy extras. Adding more vegetables can enhance the dish. Chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms blend well in this recipe. They add nutrition and flavor while keeping it colorful. To avoid sticky macaroni, stir often while it cooks. It helps keep the pasta separate and tender. Use a large pot to give the macaroni space. When cooking, make sure everything is even. Stir the mixture every few minutes. This keeps flavors balanced and prevents burning. Follow these tips, and your goulash will shine. For the full recipe, check the Easy Grandma's Goulash section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in goulash for some fun. Ground turkey works well. It’s leaner but still tasty. You can also try sausage. It adds a nice spice. If you prefer plant-based meals, use lentils or plant-based ground meat. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. Adding more veggies makes goulash even better. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Peas add a nice pop of green. For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños. They give the dish a fun heat. Mix and match your favorite vegetables to find your perfect blend. Want to change the base? Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for those with gluten issues. You can also use rice instead of pasta. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything cooks right. Both options offer great texture and flavor. After enjoying your goulash, let it cool for a bit. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure not to leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled goulash into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top since it may expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps it safe and tasty. You can reheat goulash on the stove or in the microwave. On the stove, gently heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on it to ensure it warms evenly. How long to cook goulash? You need to cook goulash for about 30 minutes. This includes browning the beef and simmering the pasta. Make sure to check the pasta for doneness as it cooks. Can I make goulash ahead of time? Yes, you can make goulash ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve. What can I substitute for beef broth? You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Both options add flavor without changing the dish too much. Can I skip the cheese? Absolutely, you can skip the cheese. The goulash will still taste great. You can add extra herbs or spices for flavor if you want. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings. It depends on how hungry everyone is. How to adjust the recipe for larger groups? To serve more people, just double the ingredients. Cook it in a bigger pot. Make sure to stir well to mix everything evenly. In this blog post, we explored the essentials for making goulash. We covered key ingredients, including ground beef, veggies, and broth. I shared cooking steps from browning beef to garnishing your dish. Custom tips helped you enhance its flavor and make it your own. Remember, you can adapt ingredients and add your twists. Goulash is flexible and forgiving, making it a fun dish to prepare. I hope you feel ready to create a hearty meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Grandma's Goulash

Discover the comforting taste of Easy Grandma's Goulash, a delightful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights! This hearty dish combines ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, seasoned to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's great for cozy family dinners. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious classic to your dinner table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and elbow macaroni. Stir to combine.

          Season the mixture with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil.

            Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

              If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot for a few minutes to allow it to melt.

                Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if using.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4-6

                      WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?