Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also a favorite among kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its savory flavors, hearty ingredients, and delightful cheese topping will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: With familiar flavors and comforting textures, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your goulash by adding vegetables or using different types of pasta.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one pot.
• Filling and Nutritious: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it’s a wholesome meal option.

Tools and Preparation

This recipe requires some basic kitchen tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the goulash evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your goulash.

Ingredients

The Easy Goulash Recipe is hot, savory, and incredibly filling – and there’s nothing in it that the average kid wouldn’t be happy to eat.

For the Meat Base

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (I used Lawry’s)

For the Vegetables and Flavorings

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauces

• 2 15oz cans diced tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 15oz can tomato sauce

For Seasoning

• 1 TB dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 large bay leaves

For Pasta and Topping

• 2 cups dry elbow noodles
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Stir occasionally until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Combine Sauces

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Season Your Goulash

Add dried parsley, oregano, bay leaves, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all seasonings into the mixture.

Step 5: Cook Noodles

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in dry elbow noodles. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Remove from heat once noodles are cooked through. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted throughout.

Step 7: Serve

Remove bay leaves before serving. Spoon into bowls and enjoy this hearty meal!

How to Serve Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Serving Grandma’s Easy Goulash is simple and enjoyable. This hearty dish pairs well with various sides and can be presented in different ways to cater to everyone’s taste.

Classic Presentation

• Serve in large bowls topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a comforting meal.

Family Style

• Present the goulash in a big serving dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.

With Garlic Bread

• Offer slices of warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the savory sauce, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Perfecting this recipe is easy with a few tips that enhance flavor and texture. Follow these guidelines for an even better dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste significantly compared to dried options.
• Brown the meat properly: Searing the ground beef until it’s nicely browned adds depth and richness to your goulash.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your family’s preference.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the dish to simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes melds the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Complementing your goulash with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly, allowing guests to enjoy every last bit of goulash sauce.
2. Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the goulash.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of goulash while adding fun crunch.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the goulash.
6. Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf works well as a base for soaking up goulash sauce, offering a lovely texture contrast.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and can be seasoned to match your flavor profile.
8. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another comforting option that pairs wonderfully with this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choice: Using too little seasoned salt can make your goulash bland. Ensure you measure it carefully for optimal flavor.
• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the noodles can lead to mushy pasta. Cook the noodles al dente for a perfect texture.
• Bold ingredient prep: Neglecting to chop onions and garlic finely can affect the dish’s overall flavor. Spend a few extra minutes getting them right.
• Bold broth selection: Using low-quality beef broth may compromise taste. Opt for a high-quality brand or homemade broth for better depth of flavor.
• Bold cheese addition: Adding cheese too early may cause it to become stringy. Stir in the cheese just before serving for a creamy finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store goulash in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe?

Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is a comforting dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, elbow noodles, and spices, perfect for family dinners.

Can I customize Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or use different types of pasta.

How do I store leftovers of Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What sides pair well with Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe?

Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth of home-cooked comfort food!

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