Description
Rich Hungarian Goulash beckons with hearty beef, paprika-infused broth, and tender vegetables simmering in a classic comfort dish. Warm, rustic flavors promise a satisfying meal that connects you directly to traditional Central European cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, carefully draining excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, savory base for the goulash.
- Enhance the mixture with classic herbs: paprika, oregano, and basil, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the depth of flavor.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer, developing complexity for about 10-12 minutes.
- Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution throughout the sauce.
- Continue simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until macaroni becomes tender and sauce thickens, roughly 15-18 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of creamy richness before serving hot.
- Complement the goulash with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner dish.
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or shells to add textural variety and visual interest.
- Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or using cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg