If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the past, then you absolutely need to try Grandma’s Goulash Recipe. This beloved dish brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce infused with flavorful herbs, creating a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, Grandma’s Goulash Recipe never fails to impress with its incredible taste and nostalgia-filled charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest impact. Each component is essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Grandma’s Goulash Recipe so special and comforting.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The savory base that adds richness and protein.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant, slightly spicy aroma that wakes up the dish.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-forward flavor that ties everything together.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances the savory taste and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds texture and an extra burst of freshness.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced, optional): Offers a subtle crunch and vibrant color.
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that imparts warmth and complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthiness throughout the simmering sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts wonderfully on top for a creamy finish.
How to Make Grandma’s Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. This combination forms the hearty flavor foundation for Grandma’s Goulash Recipe. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste. Stir in the diced green bell pepper if you like a little extra crunch and color. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a spirited boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in this bubbling pot of goodness.
Step 3: Add the Macaroni and Simmer
Once your sauce is boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. This gentle simmer lets the pasta cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is almost tender.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Pasta
Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce further while ensuring the pasta is cooked just right — tender but with a slight bite, the perfect texture that makes Grandma’s Goulash Recipe so comforting.
Step 5: Rest and Melt the Cheese
Finally, take out the bay leaf and sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top if desired. Replace the lid and let the goulash rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens up nicely and the cheese melts into a creamy, stringy delight that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Grandma’s Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra shredded cheese can brighten the dish and add a lovely fresh note to balance the rich tomato and beef flavors. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes atop the goulash adds a fun twist that awakens the palate.
Side Dishes
Grandma’s Goulash Recipe is robust and filling on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or steamed veggies such as green beans or broccoli for some healthy crunch. These additions create a well-rounded, satisfying meal with a variety of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive meal, serve Grandma’s Goulash Recipe in small bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. If you’re hosting, try layering it in a large casserole dish topped with extra cheese and baking it until golden and bubbly—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser that feels like a special occasion feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grandma’s Goulash Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor, making it an easy go-to meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this delicious dish in advance, it freezes well. Let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some room at the top for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge then warm it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, bringing back its fresh and comforting texture just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Grandma’s Goulash Recipe, feel free to swap in any small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as some pastas cook faster or slower.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! You can omit the ground beef and use plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils to create a flavorful vegetarian twist that still honors the spirit of Grandma’s Goulash Recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare the goulash up to the simmering step, refrigerate it, and then bake it in a casserole dish with cheese when you’re ready to serve. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix up your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to approximate the flavors that make Grandma’s Goulash Recipe so comforting and aromatic.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce the amount of cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or carrots. Whole wheat pasta is another great swap to boost fiber and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Goulash Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious tradition that brings people together, filling the kitchen with warmth and laughter. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a perfect staple to keep in your recipe arsenal. I truly encourage you to make this recipe your own, share it with loved ones, and let it become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Print
Grandma’s Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a family dinner, this classic recipe combines savory flavors and melted cheese for a satisfying dish that cooks easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water, more as needed)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf (2 if they are small)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, diced green bell pepper if using, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Simmer Until Tender: Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover and let it rest for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish firms up slightly. Serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- If the goulash becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.
- Using fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning can add a brighter flavor.
- The cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy richness to the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
