Description
Hearty Hungarian Goulash brings rustic comfort straight from Central European kitchens, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and robust vegetables. Home cooks savor this classic one-pot wonder that warms souls and satisfies deep hunger with its traditional, soul-warming flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef or turkey
Vegetables and Base Ingredients:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 0.5 cup (75 grams) bell peppers, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (600 milliliters) water
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Spices:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, beef broth, and olive oil, stirring to create a robust base.
- Incorporate soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, blending thoroughly.
- Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check pasta tenderness and sauce consistency; the goulash should be thick and hearty.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, enhancing flavor profile with additional herbs or spices.
- Ladle the goulash into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
- Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
- Consider draining excess grease thoroughly to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Experiment with vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian adaptation that maintains rich taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 426 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg