Grandma’s Soulful Hearty Goulash Recipe: A Warm Hug in a Bowl

My grandma’s hearty goulash recipe brings memories of cozy kitchen moments, filled with rich aromas and warmth.

Savory beef chunks mingle with tender vegetables in a robust sauce that speaks comfort.

Generations of our family have gathered around steaming bowls, sharing stories and laughter.

Traditional Hungarian techniques blend with simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

Deep flavors emerge from slow cooking, transforming humble ingredients into pure deliciousness.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

Why Grandma’s Goulash Is Always a Hit

• Quick and Comforting Meal Maker: Whips up a hearty dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Delivers classic comfort food that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with familiar flavors and satisfying texture.
• Budget-Friendly Kitchen Hack: Uses affordable pantry staples like ground beef, macaroni, and canned tomatoes to create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable One-Pot Wonder: Allows easy customization with optional ingredients like cheese or herbs, and can be quickly prepared using just one pot for minimal cleanup.

Grandma’s Goulash Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty base protein that adds deep flavor and substance to the dish.
• Onions: Foundational vegetable that provides sweetness and aromatic base for the goulash.

• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh and tangy element that creates the sauce's liquid foundation.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base that helps thicken and enhance the overall tomato flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly and adds hearty texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds sharp, intense flavor to the dish.
• Paprika: Signature Hungarian spice that gives goulash its traditional warm, slightly sweet taste.
• Oregano: Herbal seasoning that provides earthy undertones to the sauce.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle flavoring component that adds depth and complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the seasoning profile.

• Sugar: Optional ingredient that can balance tomato acidity if needed.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh, bright visual and flavor finish.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness and creamy texture.

Grandma’s Goulash Hearty Meal Directions

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

Grab a large pot or deep skillet and place it on medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and chopped onions.

Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef into small crumbles.

Keep stirring until the meat turns brown and onions become translucent.

Pour out any extra grease to keep the dish from getting too greasy.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Aromatics and Tomatoes

Drop minced garlic into the pot and stir quickly for about 30 seconds until it releases its amazing aroma.

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, liquid (water or beef broth), and sprinkle paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring now and then.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Perfectly

While the sauce develops its rich flavors, cook elbow macaroni in a separate pot following package directions.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to join the party.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked macaroni into the simmering sauce.

Stir everything together so each pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Let it bubble gently for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Fish out the bay leaf before serving.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Spoon the steaming goulash into bowls.

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or shower with shredded cheese.

Enjoy this comforting classic straight away!

Hearty Goulash Cooking Notes

• Remove all excess grease from the beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Let the goulash simmer longer to develop deeper, richer flavors that will make the dish more delicious and comforting.
• Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a satisfying bite in the final dish.
• Adjust paprika and black pepper quantities to match your personal heat preference, making the goulash unique to your taste.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance to allow flavors to fully develop and blend.

Grandma’s Goulash Leftover Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Place goulash in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

What to Eat With The Office Chili

• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a bold, spicy red like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the hearty beef and rich tomato sauce, enhancing the goulash's deep flavors.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread alongside the goulash to soak up the savory sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Green Salad Balance: Prepare a light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meat and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm dish.
• Creamy Sour Cream Topping: Dollop cool, smooth sour cream on top of the goulash to add a creamy texture and mild tanginess that softens the dish's robust spices.

Grandma’s Goulash Made A Few Ways

• Low-Carb Version: Replace elbow macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. This variation suits ketogenic and low-carb diet followers.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete meat-free recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni or alternative pasta made from chickpea or rice flour. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives. Incorporate fresh oregano and swap traditional paprika with smoked paprika for deeper flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Grandma's Goulash?

The key ingredients include ground beef, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.

• Is this a one-pot meal?

Yes, this goulash is essentially a one-pot dish after you cook the pasta separately. You brown the beef, add seasonings and tomatoes, then mix in the cooked pasta for a complete meal.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How spicy is this goulash?

This recipe is mild and not spicy. The paprika adds flavor without heat, making it a family-friendly dish that most people can enjoy.

Hearty Grandmas Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty grandmas goulash brings comfort from Hungarian kitchens, blending rich beef, paprika, and tender vegetables into a soul-warming stew. Home cooks savor this traditional recipe that connects generations through its deep, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce

Pasta:

• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Liquid:

• 1 cup water or beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef and onions in a spacious pot, breaking meat into crumbly fragments until browned and translucent. Eliminate accumulated fat through careful draining.
2. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for approximately 30 seconds. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, liquid complement, and seasonings including paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
3. Orchestrate a gentle culinary dance by reducing heat and allowing the sauce to simmer, developing rich flavors through occasional stirring. Maintain this melodic cooking process for roughly 15 minutes.
4. Simultaneously prepare elbow macaroni in a separate vessel, following package guidance for optimal texture. Thoroughly drain pasta, setting aside momentarily.
5. Reunite the sauce and pasta, gently folding them together to ensure comprehensive integration. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, permitting ingredients to harmonize and meld their distinctive characteristics.
6. Extract the bay leaf to prevent unexpected bitter undertones. Distribute the robust goulash into serving vessels, presenting a steaming, comforting meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.
7. Optional embellishment includes sprinkling fresh parsley or scattering shredded cheese atop the dish for enhanced visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Lean Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this classic dish, reducing the fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable Boost: Sneak in extra nutrients by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the meat cooking stage for increased vegetable intake.
• Flavor Enhancement: Toast the paprika in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to intensify its smoky depth and release more complex aromatics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg