Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

 

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, 

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Ingredients:

For the goulash:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

For garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

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2. Sauté the vegetables:

1. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the beef, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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3. Add liquids and seasonings:

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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4. Cook the macaroni:

1. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it's submerged in the sauce.
2. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

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5. Add cheese and serve:

1. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, or sprinkle it on top before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.

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Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Swap elbow macaroni with small shells or rotini for variety.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Enjoy this old-fashioned goulash—a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion!