Hearty Homemade Family Goulash

This hearty goulash recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, bringing comfort and smiles to our dinner table for as long as I can remember. The perfect blend of pasta, ground beef, and vegetables creates a one-pot wonder that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

I first made this goulash when my children were toddlers, struggling to find something they would both eat. Years later, it remains their most requested comfort food, especially when they return home from college on cold winter weekends.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein while keeping the dish from becoming too greasy
• Elbow macaroni: Creates the perfect base that holds up well to the sauce
• Onion and garlic: Form an aromatic foundation that enhances every bite
• Red and green bell peppers: Add vibrant color and subtle sweetness
• Tomato sauce: Creates a rich base for the sauce
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Offer a slightly smoky depth you cannot get from regular diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, savory finish
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal complexity with just one ingredient

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. This initial step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so take your time and let the aromatics release their essential oils.

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the pot with the aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces while it cooks. Continue until no pink remains and the meat is evenly browned with some caramelized bits for extra flavor. This should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Add Vegetables:

Stir in diced red and green bell peppers along with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften but still maintain some texture. The peppers should become slightly glossy but not mushy.

Build the Sauce:

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors can begin to meld together.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the elbow macaroni directly to the pot along with enough water to cover the pasta by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This one pot method allows the pasta to absorb the flavors as it cooks.

Simmer to Perfection:

Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender while the sauce thickens to a beautiful consistency. Add a splash more water if needed during cooking.

Add the Finishing Touch:

Remove the pot from heat once pasta is tender. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top and cover the pot for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts completely. The residual heat will create a deliciously gooey cheese layer.

Pin

The first time I served this to my grandmother after inheriting her recipe, she tasted it and smiled with tears in her eyes. She confessed that she had always added a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes but never wrote it down in the recipe she shared. That secret ingredient made all the difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Goulash keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making it one of those rare dishes that tastes better as leftovers. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid while stored.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative to beef. Penne or rotini can replace elbow macaroni if needed. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms and walnuts processed to a similar texture as ground beef, adding a tablespoon of soy sauce for umami depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve goulash in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. A side of buttered crusty bread makes the perfect companion for sopping up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to balance the heartiness of the main dish.

Pin

The History Behind the Dish

While traditional Hungarian goulash is a paprika-spiced stew, this Americanized version became popular during the Great Depression as an economical way to stretch ingredients to feed large families. My grandmother learned it from her mother during those challenging times, adding her own touches through the years. The recipe evolved with each generation, becoming the beloved family classic it is today.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Grandma's Goulash ahead of time?

Yes! This goulash reheats beautifully. Prepare as directed, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. Heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work excellently in this dish. For a vegetarian version, try using chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a mixture of beans for protein. Adjust seasoning accordingly as beef provides natural flavor that alternatives might need to compensate for.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or farfalle work well. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions, as different shapes may require slightly more or less time to reach al dente perfection.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika can also elevate the spice level. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste, as these ingredients can quickly intensify the heat.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lower in carbs?

For a lower-carb version, reduce the macaroni by half and increase the vegetables by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower florets. You can also substitute regular pasta with high-protein or whole grain varieties, or use zucchini noodles for a portion of the pasta.

→ What sides pair well with goulash?

This hearty dish works wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread, a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad.