Hearty Goulash
A hearty, flavorful goulash featuring ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, simmered with herbs for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can cooked or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- dash of salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- dash of thyme ⓘ
- dash of oregano ⓘ
- dash of basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute hamburger, onion, green pepper, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil.
- Cook noodles separately in a saucepan.
- Add cooked noodles, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings to the hamburger mixture.
- Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier goulash, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the other vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with plant-based meat or lentils. You can also use different types of pasta, such as penne or shells, for a unique twist. To enhance the flavor, try incorporating a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty goulash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Homestead Baked Beans for a comforting dinner. Top with grated cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can easily be doubled for a larger gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Goulash contains roughly 1147 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 meat in this goulash?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives to hamburger, offering a leaner option. If you're looking for something different, diced beef or pork can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this goulash spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also toss in a few dashes of hot sauce to the final mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Can I freeze goulash for later use?
Yes, goulash freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or microwave until heated 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).