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Grandma’s Goulash


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Grandma’s Goulash is a heartwarming one-pot comfort dish featuring tender beef chunks, sweet bell peppers, and elbow macaroni simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth. This nostalgic recipe blends homestyle flavors with a satisfying, hearty texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners, freezer meals, or feeding a hungry family, this classic American goulash delivers flavor, warmth, and a touch of heritage in every bite.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 orange bell pepper, diced

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups beef broth

1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: red pepper flakes, bay leaf


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches until seared on all sides. Transfer to a plate.

2. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Pour in beef broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, both paprikas, oregano, thyme, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.

5. Return beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes.

6. Stir in elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months without the pasta. For best texture, cook pasta fresh if freezing. This dish gets even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: goulash, beef, comfort food, pasta, stew