Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your family. This savory meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious goulash in no time. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this dish cooking without any fuss.
• Hearty Flavor: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich taste that satisfies the whole family.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly: Packed with familiar flavors, this recipe is sure to please even picky eaters.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers the next day; the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Tools and Preparation

To create Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Essential for cooking everything in one place, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while combining flavors seamlessly.
• Knife: A good chef’s knife helps you chop ingredients efficiently, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

The Easy Goulash Recipe is hot, savory and incredibly filling – and there’s nothing in it that the average kid wouldn’t be happy to eat.

For the Base

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauces

• 2 15oz cans diced tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 15oz can tomato sauce

For Seasoning

• 1 TB dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 large bay leaves

For Pasta and Cheese

• 2 cups dry elbow noodles
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your large pot over medium heat.
1. Add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked:
1. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
2. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into the pot.
1. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Noodles

Bring the mixture to a simmer:
1. Add dry elbow noodles directly into the pot.
2. Stir everything together to ensure noodles are submerged in liquid.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Cover the pot and reduce heat:
1. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until noodles are tender.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Once pasta is cooked:
1. Remove bay leaves from the pot.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe with loved ones!

How to Serve Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Serving Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various tastes and occasions. This hearty dish is not only filling but also versatile, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Classic Presentation

• Serve in bowls – Ladle the goulash into deep bowls for a comforting presentation.
• Garnish with parsley – Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.

Accompaniment Options

• Crusty bread – Pair with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the savory sauce.
• Green salad – A simple green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the goulash.

Kid-Friendly Choices

• Top with cheese – Allow each person to add extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a gooey, melty finish that kids love.
• Serve with noodles on the side – Offer extra elbow noodles separately for those who prefer more pasta with their goulash.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Perfecting Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe involves paying attention to flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Bold seasoning – Adjust the seasoned salt and spices according to your taste preferences for an extra kick.
• Sauté vegetables first – Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic before adding them to the mixture for deeper flavor.
• Simmer longer – Allow the goulash to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for richer flavors and thicker consistency.
• Choose quality ingredients – Use high-quality canned tomatoes and beef broth for the best taste results.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside, soft within; perfect for soaking up goulash sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and a vibrant color contrast.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the hearty goulash nicely.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet, juicy corn brings a fun, summery element to this comforting dish.
5. Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges provide a crunchy texture that balances well with soft pasta.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of goulash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe, it’s essential to steer clear of some common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Not all ingredients can be interchanged without affecting taste. Always stick to the recommended seasonings and components for the best flavor.
• Bold Overcooking Noodles: Cooking the noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions and cook them just until al dente.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning Levels: Under-seasoning can lead to bland goulash. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Bold Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can result in a less savory dish. Take your time to caramelize it for rich flavors.
• Bold Not Letting It Simmer: Rushing the cooking process will not allow flavors to meld. Allow sufficient simmer time for a delicious outcome.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep in an airtight container.
• Store for up to 4 days.

Freezing Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe special?

This recipe is cherished for its comforting blend of savory ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Can I customize Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How long does Grandma’s Easy Goulash last in the fridge?

It remains fresh for about four days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Is there a vegetarian version of this goulash recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Easy Goulash Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to tweak it according to your family’s tastes. With its hearty flavors and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t hesitate to try different veggies or spices!

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