Old Fashioned Goulash
Captivating Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dish that brings family and friends together, look no further than Old Fashioned Goulash. This one-pot wonder is a quintessential American comfort food that’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Originating from the humble kitchens of the Midwest, goulash has a way of warming the heart and filling the belly. Did you know that it’s often referred to as “American Chop Suey”? This dish combines savory ground meat, tender macaroni, and tangy tomato sauce in a delightful mix that’s sure to impress.
What makes Old Fashioned Goulash truly special is its simplicity and quick preparation time—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fulfilling meal without breaking a sweat. It’s also family-friendly, appealing to both young and old alike. If you enjoy goulash, you might also love our creamy Macaroni and Cheese, another cozy classic that’s always a hit at the dinner table. So grab your apron and get ready to make this delightful dish that everyone will rave about!
What is Old Fashioned Goulash?
Ah, Old Fashioned Goulash—a name that brings to mind warm kitchens and fond memories. But why “goulash”? You may ponder, is it a fancy dish that takes hours to prepare? Not at all! Traditionally, goulash is a simple dish that’s loaded with flavor and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s like asking why a hot dog is called a hot dog; sometimes, the charm lies in the quirky names!
Historically, this dish was a staple for busy families and hardworking folks who needed a hearty meal without fuss. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of warm goulash. So, are you ready to dive into this delicious recipe and impress your loved ones? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those magical dishes that checks all the boxes. First and foremost, it’s a flavor powerhouse! The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and tangy tomato sauce creates an explosion of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. Secondly, making goulash at home is a wallet-friendly option. You can whip up a large batch without spending a fortune, making it the perfect choice for budget-savvy families.
Lastly, let’s not forget the toppings! You have the dreamy option of melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese sprinkled right on top. Who can resist that? Compared to a hearty Beef Stew, which often requires a long simmer, goulash is quick and satisfying, making it the ideal choice for a weeknight meal. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather those ingredients and make this delightful dish!
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Quick Overview
Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those recipes that’s easy to follow yet yields incredible results. With flavors that meld together beautifully and a satisfying texture from the macaroni, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds! In just about 60 minutes, you can have this comforting dish ready to serve.
Key Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash
For a successful goulash, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 1⁄2 cups water
- 1⁄2 cup beef broth
- 1⁄3 cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1⁄2 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and halfway cooked. Once done, set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, if needed, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked meat to the pan, then add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the Goulash: Add the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to mix the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add the Elbow Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pan, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash.
- Add the Mozzarella: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly.
What to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash With
To complement your delicious Old Fashioned Goulash, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the goulash, while garlic bread is perfect for mopping up those lovely sauce remnants on your plate. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade would be an excellent choice to cut through the dish’s savory notes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Old Fashioned Goulash
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have ground beef on hand, turkey is an excellent alternative. You can also swap out elbow macaroni for any pasta shape you prefer.
- Timing Adjustments: Ensure you simmer long enough to blend the flavors well, but be cautious with overcooking the macaroni.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: One of the biggest pitfalls is over-seasoning—always taste before adding more salt or spices!
Storing and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your delicious Old Fashioned Goulash, you may want to store leftovers! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can use a stove or microwave—just be sure to stir well and add a splash of water if it seems too thick. Enjoy leftovers just as much as the first serving!
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bring this delightful dish into your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Captivating Introduction
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and halfway cooked. Once done, set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, if needed, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked meat to the pan, then add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the Goulash: Add the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to mix the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add the Elbow Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pan, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash.
- Add the Mozzarella: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly.
- What to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash With
- To complement your delicious Old Fashioned Goulash, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the goulash, while garlic bread is perfect for mopping up those lovely sauce remnants on your plate. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade would be an excellent choice to cut through the dish's savory notes.
- Top Tips for Perfecting Old Fashioned Goulash
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don't have ground beef on hand, turkey is an excellent alternative. You can also swap out elbow macaroni for any pasta shape you prefer.
- Timing Adjustments: Ensure you simmer long enough to blend the flavors well, but be cautious with overcooking the macaroni.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: One of the biggest pitfalls is over-seasoning—always taste before adding more salt or spices!
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- After enjoying your delicious Old Fashioned Goulash, you may want to store leftovers! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can use a stove or microwave—just be sure to stir well and add a splash of water if it seems too thick. Enjoy leftovers just as much as the first serving!
- Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bring this delightful dish into your kitchen. Happy cooking!
