Growing up in the Midwest, I have some vivid memories of goulash. This was a weeknight dinner recipe that my friend’s parents made, and I remember eating it at their house when I was sleeping over. If you’ve never had American goulash, it’s a bit like a thicker, more stew-like homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s tasty, rustic and very comforting.
My understanding is that Hungarian goulash isn’t that different, but this recipe is the American version I had growing up. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to your family’s preferences.
Related: Then try Hamburger soup, Stuffed peppers Or Tater Tot Casserole.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Ground beef
- Crushed tomatoes
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chicken Stock
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Macaroni noodles
- Cheese – mozzarella or cheddar
- Chives or parsley
Directions
Chop the onion and carrots. Chop the garlic. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, carrots and garlic until softened (2-3 minutes).
Remove from pot. Then, in the same pan, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Then add the vegetables.
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a low boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, with the pan covered.
Check the noodles and if you’re done, taste the goulash and add any salt and pepper you need. Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese. Garnish with some fresh chives or chopped parsley just before serving.
Tips and substitutions
- You can easily replace the ground beef with another ground meat like turkey or chicken to lighten this recipe a little.
- If you want to add a little heat or heat, add 1/4 teaspoon or more of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- You can use other noodle shapes besides elbow macaroni. However, this may change the cooking time, as you will want the noodles to cook in the broth until al dente. Check package directions for cooking times.
- You can store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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A hearty, comforting stew similar to homemade Hamburger Helper
Instructions
-
Chop the onion and carrots. Chop the garlic.
-
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, carrots and garlic until softened (2-3 minutes). Remove from pot.
-
Then, in the same pan, cook the ground beef until no pink remains.
-
Then add the vegetables.
-
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a low boil.
-
Add the noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, with the pan covered.
-
Check the noodles and if you’re done, taste the goulash and add any salt and pepper you need.
-
Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese. Garnish with some fresh chives or chopped parsley just before serving.
Remarks
If you want to add a little heat or heat, add 1/4 teaspoon or more of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
You can use other noodle shapes besides elbow macaroni. However, this may change the cooking time, as you will want the noodles to cook in the broth until al dente. Check package directions for cooking times.
You can store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutritional intake
Goulash
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Note: Nutrition is calculated automatically using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where applicable, we recommend using your own nutritional calculations.