Gershwin'S Goulash
Gershwin's Goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew blending ground beef, tomatoes, spices, beans, and pickles, perfect for comforting gatherings and those who enjoy rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground round steak ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 qt. tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- salt
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin seed
- 1/2 tsp. ground oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped sweet mixed pickles ⓘ
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 2 c. elbow macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in oil in a Dutch oven until browned.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir in drained kidney beans and chopped pickles.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Bring water to a rapid boil and add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add elbow macaroni to boiling water.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Drain macaroni in a colander.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the goulash and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a heartier meal, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gershwin's Goulash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread for a comforting touch. For added richness, top each serving with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gershwin'S Goulash contains roughly 930 calories, with 28g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (227% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1432mg per serving (62% 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 dish in advance?
Yes, Gershwin's Goulash actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells or penne. Alternatively, you could use rice or quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this goulash?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This will maintain the hearty nature of the dish while making it vegetarian-friendly.
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).