Family Goulash
A hearty, family-friendly goulash featuring ground beef, noodles, and flavorful tomato and mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 4 ounces of noodles to the boiling water. Stir often and cook until tender.
- Cook and stir ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic in a large skillet until the beef is browned and the onions and garlic are tender.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the cooked noodles, catsup, sliced mushrooms, Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until heated through and flavors are combined.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or carrots to the skillet while cooking the onions and beef. If you're out of catsup, a mixture of tomato sauce and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. You can also swap the ground beef for turkey or a meat substitute for a lighter version. This dish is a great way to incorporate leftover veggies, making it versatile and practical.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this goulash hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the hearty sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Easy Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew for a comforting meal option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For best results, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Goulash contains roughly 254 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for noodles, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente before adding it to the skillet.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of goulash, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor, ensuring it remains hearty and satisfying.
What can I do if I want to make this dish spicier?
If you're looking to add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet along with the other ingredients. You can also use spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes or add red pepper flakes to taste for an extra kick in this flavorful goulash.
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).