🍲 The Best Homemade Goulash Recipe – A Childhood Favorite That Never Gets Old! ❤️
Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memories served in a bowl! 🥰 This comforting homemade goulash is one of those timeless family favorites that brings back memories of childhood dinners, cozy kitchens, and gathering around the table with loved ones.
Made with hearty ground beef, tender onions, garlic, rich broth, and pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, this classic American-style goulash is simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding the whole family. 🏡✨
🛒 Ingredients
- 🥩 2 lbs ground beef
- 🧅 2 large onions, chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 💧 2 cups water
- 🥣 1 cup beef broth
- 🍅 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 🍅 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 🍝 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⚫ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the onions and garlic
Stir in the chopped onions and cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
3. Build the flavorful sauce
Pour in the water, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
4. Let the flavors come together
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the macaroni
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover partially and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir regularly to prevent sticking, and add a little extra water or broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
6. Add the finishing touch
Taste and adjust the seasonings. If you love a cheesy goulash, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. 🧀
7. Serve and enjoy!
Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and serve with warm bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Every bite is hearty, comforting, and full of homemade goodness! 😋
💡 Tips for the Best Goulash
✨ Choose your beef: Ground beef with a little fat adds plenty of flavor. Drain excess grease after browning.
✨ Don’t overcook the pasta: Check it regularly so it stays tender instead of mushy.
✨ Make it your own: Add diced bell peppers, a pinch of chili flakes, or extra paprika for more flavor.
✨ Love leftovers? Store cooled goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating because the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
❤️ A Bowl Full of Nostalgia
There’s something special about a recipe you’ve loved since childhood. This homemade goulash is warm, filling, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that reminds us that the best family recipes don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be made with love. 🥰🍲
👇 Tell us in the comments: Did your family make goulash when you were growing up? And do you prefer yours cheesy or the classic tomato version? ❤️
