Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting, old-fashioned meal that’s packed with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This easy, one-pot dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a nostalgic taste of home in under an hour.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 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)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease. - Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or beef broth, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaf before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the goulash into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese.
Notes
- To make it heartier, add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For a smoky depth of flavor, try adding ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- If you like a thinner sauce, add more broth or a splash of tomato juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg