Mom'S Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Mom's Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, beans, and macaroni in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Its rich, savory taste makes it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that pairs well with bread or a simple salad.

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Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 green pepper (optional)
  • 1 celery stalk (optional)
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 can red kidney beans
  • 2 or 3 cups tomato juice
  • 2 cups macaroni, cooked and drained

Instructions

  1. In a frying pan, sauté chopped onions, green pepper (optional), and celery (optional) in butter or oleo.
  2. Add ground beef; cook until done and drain off excess fat.
  3. Add beans, tomato juice, cooked and drained macaroni, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve hot as is or over cornbread.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of Mom's Goulash, consider adding a teaspoon of paprika or Italian seasoning. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use diced tomatoes instead of tomato juice for added texture. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mom's Goulash hot, either on its own or over a slice of cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some crusty rye bread. For a complete dinner, consider offering a side of Yummy Brisket or Barbecued Franks to complement the flavors of the goulash.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Goulash contains roughly 683 calories, with 32g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1027mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

683 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.9g 64% DV
Total Fat 26.1g 34% DV
Carbs 83.6g 30% DV
Fiber 20.6g 74% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1027.5mg 45% DV
Potassium 1213.6mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 37.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 118.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 154.8mg 12% DV
Iron 7.8mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 ahead of time?

Yes, Mom's Goulash can be made ahead of time. Prepare it fully and allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Is there a way to make this goulash spicier?

Absolutely! To add some heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Alternatively, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to achieve the desired spice level.

Can I freeze Mom's Goulash?

Yes, you can freeze Mom's Goulash. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop.

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).

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