Old Fashioned Goulash
Title: Old-Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large Dutch oven or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Products:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate Seasonings:
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour in Beef Broth:
- Pour beef broth into the mixture and bring the goulash to a simmer.
- Add Macaroni:
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Check Consistency:
- If the goulash becomes too thick, you can add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the macaroni is cooked and the flavors melded, adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the old-fashioned goulash hot.
- Optional Garnish:
- If desired, top individual servings with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Time and Intensity:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes
- Intensity: Easy
Note: This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni in a flavorful one-pot meal. The combination of spices adds depth to the dish, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Serve it as a wholesome family dinner, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this classic goulash!
