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A bowl of Grandma's savory goulash featuring pasta, beef, and vegetables.

Grandma's Goulash

A delightful blend of savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and tender pasta, Grandma's Goulash is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat and Base

  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.

Vegetables

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the dish's aroma.

Tomato Base

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste For richness and color.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds savory depth.
  • 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika For a smoky flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Blend of herbs.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds a slight kick.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce Further enhances the tomato flavor.

Broth and Pasta

  • 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth For simmering pasta and flavor.
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni Main carbohydrate component.

Finishing Touches

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For melting on top.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Optional garnish.

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • 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 about 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
  • If there's excess fat, drain it away before proceeding.
  • Add minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
  • Stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and bay leaf. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.
  • Bring to a simmer.
  • Add dry elbow macaroni. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • After the macaroni absorbs the broth, uncover and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. Add beef broth if it appears too dry.
  • Remove bay leaf, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover off the heat for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
  • Stir to mix cheese into the goulash and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings. Adjust seasonings to suit your family's taste.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Goulash, Quick Recipes