Dad'S Goulash
Dad's Goulash combines hearty ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, and aromatic spices with pasta for a comforting, savory dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook chopped bacon until almost crisp.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook through until browned.
- Drain off excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper; heat through.
- Add drained pasta and mix well; heat through before serving.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor. If you want to make it a bit healthier, substitute half of the elbow macaroni with whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free option. Adding some diced carrots or celery can enhance the vegetable content of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Goulash with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch on top of the goulash. It pairs beautifully with Diane's Soup for a comforting dinner on a chilly evening. Consider serving it with crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. If the goulash seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Goulash contains roughly 326 calories, with 12g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this goulash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This goulash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
If you like your goulash with a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables. You can also stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).