Grandpa'S Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Grandpa's Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and pasta with rich flavors of cheese and spices. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this classic recipe offers a savory blend of textures and tastes that satisfy every palate.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
  • 2 medium chopped onions
  • 3/4 cup chopped green peppers
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 7 oz. package shell macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook hamburger and onions until brown; drain.
  2. Stir in tomatoes and juice, green peppers, water, mushrooms, salt, sugar, chili powder, and macaroni.
  3. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes.
  4. If needed, add more water.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions and hamburger. If you want a bit more spice, you can add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Substituting ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger can make this dish lighter. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute in place of the hamburger.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandpa's Goulash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like Bacon, Cheese And Macaroni Bake for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, top each serving with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandpa'S Goulash contains roughly 314 calories, with 14g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1798mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

314 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.6g 27% DV
Total Fat 13.1g 17% DV
Carbs 41.1g 15% DV
Fiber 9g 32% DV
Sugar 7.3g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1797.6mg 78% DV
Potassium 891.1mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 30.4mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 338.6mcg 38% DV
Vitamin C 145.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 5.1mcg 25% DV
Calcium 249.5mg 19% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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?

Yes, you can substitute the shell macaroni with any short pasta, like elbow macaroni or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked al dente.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spiciness of your goulash, you can add more chili powder, or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Another option is to serve it with a hot sauce of your choice on the side, allowing each person to customize their heat level.

Can I freeze the goulash?

Yes, you can freeze the goulash! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

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).

American recipes → Pork recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →