Old Fashioned Goulash

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, look no further than this Old Fashioned Goulash. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a cold day, a fantastic mix of flavors that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your home.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

2 pounds ground beef or turkey
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cups water
1 cup beef broth
1/4 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 uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in french

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings

This Old Fashioned Goulash is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a wonderful way to create cherished memories around the dinner table. So gather your loved ones, follow the steps, and enjoy the smiles as you serve up this mouthwatering dish! 🍲❤️

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef or turkey until it’s partially cooked, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This will give your goulash wonderful flavor!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing everything together for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the partially cooked meat to the skillet, along with the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Add in the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover your skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add Macaroni

After 20 minutes, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Incorporate Cheddar Cheese

Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash.

Step 8: Add Mozzarella Cheese

Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly for added gooeyness.

Notes

Note 1: Meat Alternatives

Feel free to use lean ground turkey as a healthier alternative to beef.

Note 2: Cheese Variations

You can swap the mozzarella and cheddar for your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Note 3: Serving Suggestions

Serve the goulash with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cook Techniques

Ground Meat Browning

Browning ground beef or turkey enhances its flavor. Cook it until it’s no longer pink but not fully cooked through, allowing it to finish cooking later in the dish.

Sautéing Aromatics

Sauté minced garlic and diced onion in olive oil until soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your goulash.

Simmering for Flavor

Simmering the mixture allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Cover your skillet to trap steam and maintain moisture.

Cooking Pasta in the Sauce

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the goulash. This method lets the pasta absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks.

Incorporating Cheese

Adding shredded cheddar cheese before serving ensures a creamy texture, while sprinkling mozzarella on top creates a gooey finish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the meat and add additional vegetables or beans for protein. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for flavor.

What if I don’t have bay leaves?

If you don’t have bay leaves, you can omit them or substitute with a pinch of dried basil for a different flavor profile.

Can I refrigerate leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

How do I reheat goulash?

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warmth-filled experience that invokes fond memories of home-cooked gatherings. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it promises to bring your family together, creating new memories around the dinner table. Every bite is a reminder of the love and care that goes into home-cooked food. Enjoy the cozy vibes and make this dish a regular feature in your family’s meal rotation! 🍲❤️

Cheesy Taco Casserole

Combine ground beef with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top it with plenty of cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.

Vegetarian Skillet Goulash

Swap out the meat for lentils or black beans and load it up with your favorite vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

Classic Beef Stroganoff

Use similar ingredients but add mushrooms and sour cream for a creamy twist on a classic comfort dish.

Beef and Broccoli with Rice

Take a stir-fry route by combining ground beef with broccoli and a savory soy sauce, served over rice.

Chili Mac

Mix your goulash with kidney beans and chili seasoning for a spicy dimension, then serve it topped with cheddar cheese.

Italian Pasta Bake

Layer your goulash in a baking dish, add extra cheese, and bake until bubbly for a different take on this classic comfort.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Use the goulash mix as a stuffing for bell peppers, topped with cheese, for a fun and nutritious twist.