Description
Hearty Hungarian goulash enchants with robust flavors of tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting pasta. Simmered slowly and served steaming, this classic dish transports diners straight to Budapest’s welcoming kitchens with authentic, soul-warming goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
- 2 cups (200 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step: Warm a spacious Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium flame, creating an ideal searing environment for the ground beef.
- Step: Introduce the ground beef into the heated vessel, allowing it to caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors while systematically breaking apart the meat with a sturdy cooking utensil.
- Step: Once the beef transforms to a deep brown color and releases its aromatic essence, carefully eliminate surplus rendered fat, preserving a thin, flavorful layer that will enhance the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Step: With the meat perfectly prepared, transition the cooking process by adding aromatics that will build the goulash’s complex flavor foundation.
- Step: Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure even distribution of these fragrant ingredients throughout the meat.
- Step: Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, creating a robust liquid base that will marry the beef and seasonings into a harmonious mixture.
- Step: Sprinkle in Hungarian paprika, salt, and black pepper, gently folding these spices to distribute them evenly and awaken their distinctive flavor notes.
- Step: Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, enabling the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste, stirring occasionally to prevent potential scorching.
- Step: Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, letting the pasta absorb the rich, seasoned liquid and become tender.
- Step: Continue cooking until the pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and the sauce thickens to a luxurious, comforting texture.
- Step: Remove from heat and let the goulash rest briefly, allowing flavors to further consolidate before serving in warm, inviting bowls.
Notes
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the classic goulash. Add a splash of beef broth or alcohol-free flavorings during browning to enhance the meat’s depth of flavor and create a richer sauce base. Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or shells to catch more sauce and add textural variety to the dish. For a gluten-free option, replace traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Hungarian goulash, comfort food, ground beef, beef macaroni, hearty dinner