Cozy and Comforting Old Fashioned Stove Top Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef
As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with a crispness that promises cooler days ahead, my thoughts drift to those comforting childhood meals that wrapped us in warmth like a favorite quilt. One dish that stands out is goulash. There was something special about each spoonful—a blend of rich flavors and textures that comforted me on those chilly autumn evenings. This Old Fashioned Stove Top Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef brings back those cozy memories, and it’s quickly become a staple in my home. Whether you’re serving it for an easy weeknight dinner or as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for a gathering, it’s a dish that promises to envelop you in its nourishing embrace.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a meal that will have you reminiscing, all while creating new memories around the table. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures, even picky eaters will love diving into this comforting dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: It’s all made in just one pot, which means less time on cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its hearty ingredients, this dish is a sure way to please a crowd or feed a hungry family.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To embark on our cozy culinary journey, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this delicious goulash together! Follow these simple steps to recreate this nostalgic dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, uncooked macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side salad for a complete meal.
Fun Ways to Customize It
This Old Fashioned Stove Top Goulash is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Veggie Delight: Add in your favorite veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty twist.
- Creamy Dream: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a rich and creamy finish.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
My Best Kitchen Secrets
To ensure your goulash turns out perfectly every time, here are my chef-inspired tips:
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner. It also tastes even better the next day!
- Ingredient Swaps: If ground beef isn’t on hand, feel free to use turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute for a healthy alternative.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw before reheating.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Sugars: 4 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This goulash is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare it, cool it, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
How long does it last?
When properly stored, this dish can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Old Fashioned Stove Top Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for those crisp fall evenings when all you want is something warm and comforting right on your dinner table.
Save this recipe to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a delicious treat! I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
PrintOld Fashioned Stove Top Goulash
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A comforting and flavorful goulash recipe made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, perfect for chilly autumn nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, uncooked macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese: If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
This recipe is customizable; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices. It can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
