Grandma’s Goulash
Grandma’s Goulash is a hearty and comforting meal featuring tender ground meat simmered in a rich tomato sauce with paprika and herbs, paired with perfectly cooked egg noodles. This classic dish brings nostalgic flavors to your table and is versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs, making it a beloved family favorite for any occasion.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Central European
- Diet: Can be gluten free (with gluten-free noodles)
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Noodles
Spices & Herbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant to build the dish’s flavor foundation.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, developing a rich savory base.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Sprinkle in paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth, combining thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer gently to blend flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Simmer: Add cooked noodles to the meat sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Let simmer for a few more minutes so flavors marry beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and onions for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Do not overcook noodles; slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Taste the sauce frequently during simmering to adjust seasonings for a perfect balance.
- Use quality tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for richness.
- Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes off heat before serving to help flavors settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Grandma’s Goulash, comfort food, ground beef goulash, easy family meal, hearty dinner, tomato sauce noodles