Description
Beef goulash brings comfort straight from my Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty paprika-seasoned beef simmered with tender vegetables creates a rich, satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
Starches:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat a spacious pot over medium-high temperature (375°F). Crumble 1 pound ground beef into the pan, mixing with 1 diced medium onion. Break down the meat thoroughly while cooking for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon. Return pot to stove and add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir continuously for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, and 2 cups beef broth. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Increase heat to high and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce.
- Reduce heat to low (simmer around 200°F), cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir pasta every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Test pasta for tenderness. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Optional: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, richer flavor profile.
- When browning beef, ensure the meat develops a deep golden color for maximum taste development.
- Stirring occasionally prevents pasta from sticking and helps distribute heat evenly throughout the goulash.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to customize the dish’s depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg