Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef simmered with tomatoes, beef broth, and spices, combined with tender elbow macaroni, and finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 and 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
- Cook Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Final Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to your preference.
- Optional Creamy Finish: For a richer texture, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy finish to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the goulash with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- To reduce fat, drain the cooked ground beef before adding other ingredients.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta like shells or penne.
- For spicier goulash, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot paprika.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Skim off excess oil after browning beef to keep the dish lighter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: goulash, one pot meal, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta dish, cheddar cheese goulash
