Goulash. The very word conjures up images of hearty, home-cooked meals and the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen on a chilly evening. Growing up, it was one of my absolute favorite dinners.
My grandma had a knack for making it just right – the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce. It was the kind of dish that warmed you from the inside out, and I always looked forward to seeing it on the table.”
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and experimented with Grandma’s original recipe, streamlining the process to fit my busy lifestyle. I wanted to keep the essence of her classic goulash – that incredible flavor and comforting quality – but make it something I could whip up on a weeknight without spending hours in the kitchen.
And I think I’ve finally nailed it. This version is just as delicious, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even the most beginner cook can pull this off.”
So, if you’re craving a taste of home, a dish that’s both satisfying and simple, look no further. This easy ground beef goulash recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights, and I’m excited to share it with you. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Let me share this recipe here
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
In a large skillet or pot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until it begins to brown. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season and Add Liquids:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and seasoned salt over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Add the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni.Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or pot. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Finish and Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy your easy and delicious ground beef goulash!
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in many recipes, but there are a few things to keep in mind[. Ground turkey is generally leaner and contains fewer calories than ground beef.
Here’s what you should know when substituting ground turkey for ground beef:
Flavor: Ground turkey has a milder flavor compared to ground beef, which has a more distinctive taste. Ground turkey easily takes on the taste of any herbs, spices, and sauces you mix in.
Fat content and health: Ground turkey is generally lower in saturated fat, making it a potentially better choice for heart health. Lean ground turkey is the lowest in calories, which may be helpful for weight loss.
Cooking: Ground turkey can dry out faster than ground beef during cooking. Adjust cooking time and temperature accordingly to avoid a crumbly mess.
Texture: Ground turkey may result in a different texture than ground beef, depending on the recipe.
Ultimately, whether you choose ground turkey or ground beef depends on your personal preferences, dietary goals, and the specific recipe you’re making
What other vegetables can I add to the goulash?
You can add a variety of vegetables to goulash, whether you’re making a meat-based or vegetarian version. Here are some options:
Onions, bell peppers, and garlic: These create a flavorful base for the goulash.
Carrots and celery: These add sweetness and texture.
Potatoes: These are good for adding texture.
Zucchini and yellow squash: These can be diced and added to the skillet.
Mushrooms: Mini portobello mushrooms can be added.
Other vegetables: Consider parsnips, celeriac, or even peppers. You can also add corn, peas, diced carrots, or green bean. Spinach can be stirred in at the end.
How can I make the goulash creamier?
To make your goulash creamier, stir in a cup of sour cream at the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can mix whipping cream and flour together and fold it into the goulash juice. For a cheesy creaminess, consider stirring in 8 ounces of softened cream cheese or adding a can of cream of mushroom soup.
What type of pasta can I substitute for macaroni noodles?
Many pasta shapes can effectively substitute for macaroni noodles, each offering unique textures and aesthetic appeal.
For dishes where macaroni traditionally adds bite and volume, consider options like casarecce, with its rolled shape that captures sauces similarly to macaroni, or cavatappi, a spiral-shaped pasta that provides a playful twist and effectively holds sauces.
Penne, recognized for its tubular structure, can also replicate the feel of elbow macaroni and is particularly effective in baked pasta dishes with creamy or cheesy sauces. Other similar options include ditalini, gomiti, and lumache.
Beyond these common substitutes, farfalle, also known as bow-tie pasta, offers a similar bite and is excellent for capturing chunks of vegetables and cheese. Rotini, with its spiral shape, is another great choice, catching small bits of ingredients and providing a satisfying texture. When using heavy, meaty, or chunky vegetable sauces, consider ziti.
For those seeking gluten-free alternatives, rice noodles and quinoa pasta are excellent choices. Rice noodles provide a similar texture to traditional pasta, while quinoa pasta offers a nutritious alternative with higher levels of protein and fiber.
For low-carb options, consider spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes, which can be transformed into noodles using a spiralizer. Eggplant, cut into cubes or strips, can also serve as a hearty and low-carb alternative.
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