Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting, one-pot American classic featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a zesty tomato sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg