Description
Hearty Hungarian Goulash brings rustic comfort straight from Central European kitchens, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and robust vegetables. Simmered slowly with traditional spices, this classic dish promises a satisfying meal that connects you with generations of home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 30 ounces (850 grams) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 30 ounces (850 grams) tomato sauce
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until completely crumbled and no pink remains. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lighter dish.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic. Ensure garlic does not darken or burn.
- Create the flavor foundation by incorporating diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and seasoned salt. Thoroughly mix ingredients to develop a complex, robust sauce.
- Integrate elbow macaroni evenly throughout the liquid mixture. Elevate temperature to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking or burning.
- After pasta reaches desired tenderness, remove from heat. The goulash should appear thick and cohesive. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated cheese or chopped parsley for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity before serving immediately.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, which can make the dish heavy and unappetizing.
- Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Season carefully during cooking to balance flavors, tasting and adjusting salt and seasonings gradually.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1040 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg