Grandma's Goulash
A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Goulash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1.5 lb lean ground beef Juicy and flavorful
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds depth
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced Brightens flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Bold flavor
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste Concentrated richness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances savory depth
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika Adds smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herb blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle heat
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz) Fresh tomato flavor
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz) Provides consistency
- 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth Savory base
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni Absorbs flavors
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds creaminess
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper; sauté for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Cooking
- Add minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the dry elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Uncover and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the macaroni is tender. If the mixture seems too dry, add more beef broth as needed.
- Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Stir in the cheese until well combined and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
To elevate this dish, consider browning the beef well for a deeper flavor. You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn for added sweetness and texture. For a creamier texture, a dollop of sour cream stirred in just before serving can enhance the richness.