Description
A hearty and comforting Grandma’s goulash recipe made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, bell peppers, and Italian seasoning. This one-pot meal is perfect for a quick family dinner, combining savory and tangy elements with tender pasta all cooked together for deep, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 200 g)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 410 g)
- 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all required ingredients to have them ready for the cooking process and ensure a smooth workflow.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook until they soften, about 3-5 minutes, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir well to distribute all flavors evenly.
- Bring to Boil and Add Pasta: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Check Doneness and Season: Test the pasta for tenderness and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed to suit your taste.
- Serve: Spoon the goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley if desired for an extra touch of freshness and color. Enjoy while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before serving for added richness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
