1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Gather Your Ingredients:
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
- Measure out the spices and set them aside for easy access during cooking.
2. Brown the Beef
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Incorporate the Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes:
- Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Stir to combine.
- Season the Goulash:
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the Beef Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. The broth will help to cook the macaroni and give the goulash a rich, hearty flavor.
4. Cook the Macaroni
- Add the Macaroni:
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the Goulash:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Final Touches
- Check Seasoning:
- Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Optional Cheese Topping:
- If you like a cheesy goulash, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot and let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted (if using), serve the goulash hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort: Serve the goulash on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.
- With Bread: Pair it with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the goulash.
- Pickles: A side of pickles or a light cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Tips for Success
- Customizing the Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- Veggie Boost: For added nutrition, consider stirring in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onions.
- Storage: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Make Ahead: Goulash can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s a great dish for meal prepping!
This Good Ole Fashioned Goulash is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to enjoy some leftovers, this goulash is sure to become a go-to recipe in your home. Enjoy every hearty, cheesy, and flavorful bite!