Old Fashioned Goulash - Ukbiddingdirectory

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that combines tender pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta:

Add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of small pasta) to the pot and stir it in.
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

5. Add Cheese (Optional):

If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash and let it melt into the dish, or serve the cheese on the side.

6. Serve:

Once the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together, serve the goulash hot. Garnish with additional cheese, if desired.

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Goulash:

Hearty & Filling: The combination of pasta, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce makes this a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or your family.
One-Pot Wonder: This dish is made all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! It’s also quick and easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
Budget-Friendly: Old Fashioned Goulash is an affordable meal that can feed a lot of people without breaking the bank.
Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like green bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make it even heartier. You can also switch up the type of cheese or seasoning to suit your tastes.

Tips for the Best Goulash:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. If you overcook it, it may become mushy. You want the pasta to be al dente, with a little bite to it.
Add Some Heat: For a little kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
Make It Creamy: If you love creamy pasta dishes, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking to create a rich, creamy texture.
Leftovers: Goulash stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and even gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any small pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you use.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or just use vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of goulash.

Q: Can I make this in advance?

Yes, Old Fashioned Goulash can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.