Easy Old Fashioned Goulash

Imagine a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort to your dinner table. Easy Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal it's a journey through cherished family recipes and heartwarming memories.

This classic one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a rich, savory tomato sauce that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen. Every bite tells a story of home-cooked love and simple, delicious ingredients.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that feeds a crowd, this goulash promises to become a staple in your recipe collection. Get ready to experience a true classic that never goes out of style.

Easy Old Fashioned Goulash: A Timeless Comfort Food Tradition

This isn't just another pasta dish it's a hearty one-pot meal that captures the essence of home-style cooking. With its rich tomato base and perfectly seasoned beef, this goulash brings together simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or craving a taste of nostalgia, this classic recipe promises to satisfy and comfort.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Easy Old Fashioned Goulash with these delightful pairings:

• Soft and buttery homemade rolls
• Crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli

Pro Tips for Perfect Goulash:

Beef Browning: Cook the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring it's browned and crumbly for maximum flavor.

Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to adjust seasonings to taste. The right balance makes all the difference.

Pasta Perfection: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Cheese Optional: For extra richness, sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top just before serving.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Easy Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Equipment: Large skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, measuring spoons

The magic of this goulash lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Finishing Touches:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. This creates the perfect base for building flavor.
2. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
3. Introduce the diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen with delicious promise.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. These ingredients create the rich, robust base of the goulash.
6. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. The pasta is ready when it's tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The sauce should be thick and rich.
10. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover just long enough to let the cheese melt completely.

Ready to Enjoy!

Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Storage Solutions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keeps well for 3-4 days
• Reheat gently, adding a splash of beef broth if needed
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month

From the first comforting bite to the last, this Easy Old Fashioned Goulash proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. Whether you're cooking for family or craving a taste of home, this goulash is sure to warm both body and soul.

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