Beef Goulash: A Savory One-Dish Meal
Description
This hearty and delicious Beef Goulash recipe, inspired by a classic from the American Heart Association Cookbook, has undergone a few delightful adaptations to suit our family’s tastes. Utilizing fresh herbs, crushed tomatoes, and flavorful spices, this dish is not only savory but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With the combination of lean ground beef and tender macaroni, it’s a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 1 cup |
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Fresh mushrooms | ½ cup |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| No-added-salt tomato paste | 1 can |
| Water | ¾ cup |
| Low sodium ketchup | 1 cup |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Oregano | ¼ teaspoon |
| Basil | ¼ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 244.8 |
| Total Fat | 8.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 49.1 mg |
| Sodium | 82 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 5.7 g |
| Protein | 20.1 g |
Cook and Prep Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the dish.
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Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. As the meat cooks, break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure even browning. Add in the fresh mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Incorporate the Sauces: Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, stir in the can of no-added-salt tomato paste and the water, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. Follow this by adding the low sodium ketchup, ensuring that everything is well-blended and that the flavors start to meld together beautifully.
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Season the Mixture: Toss in the bay leaf, sugar, fresh ground black pepper, oregano, and basil to the pot, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture. This blend of herbs and spices will infuse the goulash with a rich and savory flavor.
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Simmer the Goulash: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This simmering process will allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken, creating a luscious base for your goulash.
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Combine with Macaroni: After simmering, add the cooked, drained macaroni to the skillet, gently folding it into the beef and sauce mixture. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the macaroni to soak up some of the delicious flavors.
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Final Touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Give the goulash one last stir to ensure everything is well-combined and heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve this comforting beef goulash warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread, making it a complete meal that’s sure to please the entire family.
This dish yields about six servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Its balance of hearty ingredients and robust flavors ensures that each bite is satisfying and enjoyable. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
