# Simple Goulash Recipe: A Quick and Comfortable One-Pot Dish
Goulash is a cherished comfort meal that offers warmth and contentment at the dinner table. This simple goulash recipe assembles swiftly with ingredients you probably have in your pantry, making it an ideal option for hectic weeknights or family gatherings. Ground beef and elbow macaroni are cooked in a savory tomato sauce, resulting in a comforting one-pot dish that everyone will adore.
## Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
– **Tasty**: The feedback says it all—this goulash is a hit!
– **Simple Ingredients**: Crafted with basic, everyday items, it’s straightforward to prepare without needing to shop.
– **Cost-Effective**: This recipe is wallet-friendly and can easily be expanded to serve a larger group with a little extra pasta and sauce.
– **One-Pot Excellence**: Relish effortless cleanup with this one-pot dish!
## Goulash Across The World
Although the word “goulash” can conjure various images globally, American Goulash stands apart from its European variations.
– **American Goulash**: This version is a straightforward meal consisting of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tangy tomato sauce. Sometimes called “slumgullion,” Hamburger Goulash, or “American chop suey.”
– **Hungarian Goulash**: In contrast, Hungarian goulash is a robust beef and onion stew flavored with Hungarian paprika, often incorporating potatoes and carrots.
## Ingredients Needed for Goulash
To whip up this quick goulash, assemble the following components:
– **Ground Beef**: Lean ground beef is ideal, although you can swap it for Italian sausage or ground turkey if you prefer.
– **Pasta**: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use small pasta shapes like shells, bowties, or ditalini as alternatives.
– **Pasta Sauce**: Opt for store-bought pasta sauce or homemade marinara. Including canned diced tomatoes can improve texture and stretch the dish further.
– **Broth**: Chicken or beef broth (or water) is necessary to cook the pasta.
– **Seasoning**: Onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves will add wonderful flavor to the sauce.
## Customizations
Feel free to make your goulash unique with these tweaks:
– Mix in diced celery or red bell pepper to the meat sauce for added taste and nutrition.
– Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
– Expand the meal further by adding more pasta or a can of rinsed beans.
– Garnish with Parmesan cheese or serve with cheddar cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
## Serving Ideas
This goulash recipe complements drop biscuits or crusty bread excellently, perfect for soaking up the delightful sauce. A fresh salad or a traditional Caesar salad on the side enhances the meal nicely.
## Storing Leftovers
– **Refrigerator**: Keep leftover goulash in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– **Freezer**: Freeze cooled portions in zip-top bags for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Instructions for Easy Goulash Recipe
1. In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Incorporate the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if included), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Mix in the elbow macaroni, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is soft.
5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if desired, and cover again. Let it rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.
## Nutritional Details
Each serving of this goulash contains approximately:
– **Calories**: 217
– **Protein**: 21g
– **Carbohydrates**: 24g
– **Fat**: 4g
– **Fiber**: 3g
(Note: Nutritional figures are approximations and may differ based on ingredient choices.)
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Did you like this simple goulash recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! This dish is bound to become a favorite in your home, offering comfort and delight with each mouthful. Enjoy!