Description
Hungarian goulash elevates comfort food with rich, hearty flavors simmered to perfection. Robust beef, paprika-kissed sauce, and tender vegetables invite you to savor a classic Central European culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
Pasta:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) elbow macaroni
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F, ensuring no pink remains and draining accumulated fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for robust flavor development.
- Allow mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors and creating a harmonious sauce consistency.
- Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to prevent pasta from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Cover skillet and reduce heat, cooking for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring, until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and absorbs surrounding liquid.
- Optional: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted, creating a creamy, luxurious finish to the goulash.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that keeps the dish’s hearty texture.
- Adjust paprika and add red pepper flakes to create a mild or zesty version that suits individual heat preferences.
- Experiment with smoked gouda, pepper jack, or nutritional yeast for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
- This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance for deeper, richer flavors that develop overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg