why make this recipe
Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic is a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It’s an easy, one-pot recipe that combines ground beef and pasta with rich tomato flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this goulash is not only satisfying but also budget-friendly. It is a family favorite that pleases both kids and adults alike.
how to make Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic
Ingredients
- 900 grams ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 250 grams elbow macaroni
- 795 grams crushed tomatoes
- 425 grams tomato sauce
- 32 grams tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until well browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Incorporate the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers just begin to soften.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the seasonings.
- Fold in the elbow macaroni, making certain all pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked al dente.
- If desired, scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top in the final minutes of cooking. Cover until cheese completely melts.
- Dish out while hot for a hearty meal.
how to serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic
Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic hot from the skillet. It is delicious on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving.
how to store Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic
Let any leftovers cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables, such as corn or peas, for added nutrition and color.
- For a spicier version, include diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
variation (if any)
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat. Also, try different types of pasta, like penne or shells, to mix things up. Adding cheese right before serving can create a creamy texture throughout the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired. -
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic is perfect for meal prep. It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. -
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 900 grams ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 250 grams elbow macaroni Feel free to try different types of pasta.
- 795 grams crushed tomatoes
- 425 grams tomato sauce
- 32 grams tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese For creamy texture, add just before serving.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until well browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Incorporate the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers just begin to soften.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the seasonings.
- Fold in the elbow macaroni, making certain all pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked al dente.
- If desired, scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top in the final minutes of cooking. Cover until cheese completely melts.
- Dish out while hot for a hearty meal.