Ah, beef goulash—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly night, isn’t it? Imagine this: tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection with a hint of paprika, mingling with tomatoes and bell peppers, making the whole kitchen smell like a cozy European café. I swear, just the thought of it makes me want to wrap myself in a blanket and watch old movies.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat and return the pot to the stove, adding minced garlic and stirring until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni noodles into the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle boil.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving to enhance the dish’s creamy texture. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3880 kcal | Carbohydrates: 200g | Protein: 220g | Fat: 240g | Saturated Fat: 100g | Cholesterol: 760mg | Sodium: 9180mg | Potassium: 4390mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1740IU | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 1340mg | Iron: 30mg
FAQ
- What is the origin of this easy Goulash recipe?
- This recipe is a version of American Goulash, which is a comforting, hearty dish ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks due to its affordability and broad appeal, especially among kids.
- Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat in this Goulash recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version of the dish. It will still maintain a delicious flavor.
- What types of pasta can I use for this Goulash recipe?
- Although the recipe calls for macaroni noodles, you can use any small pasta you have available. Feel free to experiment with different shapes to suit your preference.
- How can I make this Goulash dish creamier?
- To achieve a creamier consistency, you can add a cup of sour cream at the end of the cooking process. Stir it in just before serving for a richer texture.
- Are there any variations or additional ingredients I can add to this Goulash?
- You can enhance this Goulash by adding extra vegetables such as corn, peas, diced carrots, green beans, or even stirring in some baby spinach at the end. Additionally, you can adjust the consistency by adding more beef broth if you prefer a soupier dish.
Tips
- Use a large pot for this recipe, as it produces a substantial amount, perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
- Feel free to substitute the macaroni with any small pasta you have available, such as penne or rotini.
- For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef without compromising flavor.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating additional vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots, or add a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven (6 quarts) – Ideal for cooking large quantities and providing even heat distribution.
- Wooden Spoon Set – Useful for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
- Cheese Grater – Needed for shredding the cheddar cheese.
