Ground Beef Goulash
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A comforting dish that's perfect for a family dinner, this ground beef goulash is packed with flavor and easy to make.
This ground beef goulash is a traditional comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and great for leftovers!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavor that warms the soul
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- One-pot meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste
A Comforting Classic
Ground beef goulash is more than just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. This dish, with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, brings the family together around the dinner table. It's a perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you want something that feels both comforting and filling. The combination of ground beef, macaroni, and spices creates a delightful harmony that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Originating from Hungary, goulash has evolved into various forms, but this ground beef version is particularly loved for its simplicity and speed. With just one pot required, you can whip up a delicious dinner without the fuss of multiple pans. Plus, it’s versatile enough to allow for creative adaptations, giving you the freedom to incorporate seasonal veggies or your favorite spices.
Quick and Easy Preparation
In our fast-paced lives, finding a meal that is both quick to prepare and satisfying can be a challenge. This ground beef goulash recipe fits the bill perfectly. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve your family something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
The step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process seamlessly, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve tasty results. The use of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients means you can often make this dish without a special trip to the grocery store, helping you save both time and money.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Ground beef goulash is not only delicious but also great for meal prepping. This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for batch cooking. You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions for later use. This allows you to enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days, simply reheating it to enjoy a comforting bowl of goulash with minimal effort.
When reheating, you may want to add a splash of beef broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread, and you've got a complete meal that feels fresh and satisfying, even when it’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days.
Ingredients
For the Goulash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious goulash!
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and elbow macaroni. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
This goulash is perfect for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about ground beef goulash is its flexibility. If you're looking to switch things up, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. This can reduce the fat content while maintaining the dish's hearty texture and flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different kinds of pasta; penne or rotini can provide a fun twist on the traditional elbow macaroni.
For those who prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, which will not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your ground beef goulash experience, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The crunch of a salad can complement the comforting softness of the goulash, creating a delightful contrast in textures. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top can also add a creamy richness that many will love.
For a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. This is an easy way to customize the flavor profile to suit your family's taste preferences.
Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing leftover goulash, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy reference later.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help restore the goulash’s original consistency, making it just as delicious as when it was first made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta of your choice!
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this goulash in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze goulash for up to 3 months. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Ground Beef Goulash
A comforting dish that's perfect for a family dinner, this ground beef goulash is packed with flavor and easy to make.
Created by: Helena Wright
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Goulash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and elbow macaroni. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 28g