Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying family meal.
This recipe combines ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, all simmered together with vegetables like corn, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Paired with tender macaroni and served with cornbread muffins, it’s a dish that brings both warmth and nostalgia to the table. Simple to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s a classic that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Old Fashioned Goulash because it’s the ultimate comfort food!
With its rich, savory flavors from ground beef, garlic, bell peppers, and seasonings, this dish is both hearty and satisfying.
The combination of tender macaroni, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce creates a filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something both delicious and comforting.
Add some warm cornbread muffins on the side, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients:
Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, providing rich flavor.
Onion and green bell pepper: For a savory, aromatic depth.
Garlic and red pepper flakes: To add a little heat and extra flavor.
Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce: These create the rich, tangy tomato sauce that brings everything together.
Corn and mushrooms: For added texture and a touch of sweetness.
Macaroni: The perfect pasta to absorb all the delicious sauce and flavors.
How To Make Old Fashioned Goulash?
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds ground beef browned with 1/2 diced large onion
– 1/2 diced green bell pepper
– 3 tsp.minced garlic
– 3 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
Then add:
– 1 can drain whole kernel corn
– 2 cans mushrooms
– 1 can 14.5 oz.diced tomatoes
– one 15 oz.can tomato sauce with 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper
– 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce.
Directions:
– Simmer about 20 – 25 minutes.
– Then last add 2 cups macaroni that has been cooked as directed. I always serve this with cornbread muffins.
Enjoy.
Notes:
Meat Variation: Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
Vegetarian or Vegan Option: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce. For a vegan version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat and ensure all canned ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Adjusting Spice Level: Red pepper flakes can be reduced or omitted for a milder flavor. Conversely, for extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce according to taste.
Customizing Vegetables: Goulash is versatile, allowing for the addition or substitution of vegetables. Carrots, celery, and zucchini are popular choices to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional profile.
Meal Prep Friendly: This goulash is suitable for meal prep. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Cooking Ground Beef with Onions: Cooking ground beef with onions typically takes 8-10 minutes over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Garlic Options: Fresh garlic can be used instead of minced garlic. Adjust the quantity according to taste preference.
Draining Corn: It’s recommended to drain the whole kernel corn before adding it to the goulash to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Using Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned diced tomatoes. Dice them finely and use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
Omitting Mushrooms: If preferred or due to allergies, mushrooms can be omitted without compromising the flavor of the goulash.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 600mg | Total Carbohydrates: 40g | Dietary Fiber: 5g | Sugars: 7g | Protein: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce.
For a vegan version, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and ensure all canned ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Of course! If you prefer a milder goulash, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
For extra heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Goulash is quite versatile, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your liking.
Some popular additions include diced carrots, celery, or even zucchini.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this goulash is great for meal prep.
You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
It also freezes well for longer storage.
How long does it take to cook the ground beef with onions?
Cooking the ground beef with onions usually takes around 8-10 minutes over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic for minced garlic.
Simply mince the cloves finely before adding them to the recipe.
You may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
Is it necessary to drain the whole kernel corn before adding it to the goulash?
Yes, it’s recommended to drain the whole kernel corn before adding it to the goulash to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes.
Simply dice fresh tomatoes and use them in the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
Can I make this goulash without mushrooms?
Yes, you can omit the mushrooms if you prefer or if you have an allergy.
The goulash will still be delicious with the other ingredients.