Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavors and a nostalgic touch. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce with simple seasonings, making it a timeless favorite for family dinners. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that brings warmth to the table, just like Grandma used to make.
A Classic American Goulash
This dish is often confused with Hungarian goulash, but American goulash is a simpler, quicker version. It consists of ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and seasonings, creating a thick, flavorful mixture that is both filling and easy to prepare. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite rich and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grandma’s Goulash is a beloved dish for good reason. It’s simple to make, uses pantry staples, and can feed a crowd. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot on your meal rotation:
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, readily available ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, meats, or seasonings to suit your taste.
This classic goulash is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Goulash
To make this comforting, one-pot meal, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a creamy finish)
