How to Make Grandma's Goulash

Brown the Meat

Cook ground beef with onions and garlic until fragrant and browned.

Create the Sauce

Add tomatoes and seasonings to build a flavorful base.

Cook the Pasta

Simmer macaroni directly in the sauce until tender and flavorful.

Finish and Serve

Add optional cheese, let stand, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Baking Tips

For extra flavor, add a diced green bell pepper with the onions.

If you prefer a soupier goulash, add an extra cup of water or beef broth.

Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months - just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.

For a spicier version, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Grandma's Goulash

Name: Grandma's Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cups water; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

A heartwarming, old-fashioned American goulash that brings back childhood memories. This comforting one-pot meal combines ground beef, tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and a blend of savory spices for a simple yet satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Just like Grandma used to make!

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

2 pounds ground beef

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups water

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons paprika

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Drain excess fat if necessary, then add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove the bay leaves. If using cheese, stir in half of it until melted, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Let the goulash stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Grandma's Goulash

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Grandma's Goulash

Grandma's Goulash

Ingredients

Instructions