Grandma's Irresistible Goulash

This irresistible Grandma's Goulash recipe brings the comfort of homestyle cooking right to your table. It's the kind of hearty, one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out and transports you back to childhood dinners around the family table.

I started making this goulash recipe when my own children were young and picky eaters. The combination of pasta and ground beef was always a guaranteed clean plate, and over the years it's evolved into our favorite family comfort food that brings everyone running to the dinner table.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef provides hearty protein and rich flavor without excessive fat. Look for 90/10 or 85/15 for the best balance
• Medium onion adds essential aromatic base that every good goulash needs. Choose firm onions without soft spots
• Garlic cloves bring depth and complexity. Fresh is always better than pre minced for optimal flavor
• Bell peppers add sweetness, color and nutrition. Any color works well, but red offers the sweetest flavor
• Diced tomatoes with juices provide acidity and moisture. Fire roasted varieties add extra flavor dimension
• Elbow macaroni or egg noodles soak up the savory flavors. Traditional elbow macaroni holds up well during cooking
• Beef broth creates a rich base. Homemade is wonderful, but a good quality store bought works perfectly
• Italian seasoning offers convenience with balanced herbs. Look for versions with visible herb pieces rather than powdered
• Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all flavors together. Season gradually and taste as you go
• Shredded cheese adds creamy richness when melted over the hot goulash. Sharp cheddar or Italian blend work beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add chopped onions and diced bell peppers, stirring occasionally until they soften and become translucent. This takes about 5 minutes and builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish. The vegetables should soften but not brown.

Brown The Beef

Push the softened vegetables to the outer edges of the pan, creating a clear space in the center. Add the ground beef to this space, allowing it to make good contact with the hot pan surface. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking and breaking up the meat until no pink remains, approximately 6 to 8 minutes total. The meat should develop some browned bits for maximum flavor.

Add Aromatics And Tomatoes

Sprinkle the minced garlic over the browned meat and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly become bitter. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with all their juices, stirring to combine with the meat mixture and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are packed with flavor.

Simmer With Pasta

Pour the beef broth into the skillet, then add the uncooked pasta, stirring well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Season And Finish

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the dish and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to incorporate the seasonings throughout. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the hot goulash and cover for an additional minute to allow it to melt beautifully before serving in warm bowls.

Bookmark

The bell peppers in this recipe are absolutely non-negotiable in my kitchen. While my grandmother used only green peppers in her original version, I've found that using a combination of colors not only makes the dish visually appealing but adds different levels of sweetness. My family still talks about the time I made this during a power outage, finishing it on our camping stove by flashlight. Somehow, that was the most delicious batch ever.

Make Ahead And Storage

Grandma's Goulash is a fantastic make ahead meal that actually improves in flavor overnight. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, or gently reheat larger amounts in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.

Simple Substitutions

This forgiving recipe welcomes many adaptations based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Plant based ground meat alternatives work well for vegetarian versions, just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The pasta can be changed to whole wheat, gluten free, or even protein enriched varieties. For a spicier goulash, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers. During tomato season, replace canned tomatoes with 2 cups of fresh, diced garden tomatoes for a brighter flavor.

Family Friendly Serving Ideas

Serve this hearty goulash with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. For younger children, offer small portions in colorful bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. A slice of buttery garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a fun presentation at casual gatherings, set up a toppings bar with options like sliced green onions, sour cream, additional shredded cheese, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this goulash up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth when reheating if it seems dry.

→ What sides pair well with this goulash?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread, a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or pickles. The goulash is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. Each will impart a different flavor profile but maintain the dish's hearty texture.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, add red pepper flakes when seasoning, or stir in a tablespoon of paprika (smoked paprika works particularly well) for a Hungarian-inspired kick.

→ Can I freeze leftover goulash?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave.

→ What type of cheese works best for topping?

Medium or sharp cheddar provides classic flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder taste with better melting properties. For something different, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites.