Classic Comfort Hamburger Goulash
Dive into the hearty flavors of this Classic Comfort Hamburger Goulash, a nostalgic dish that brings together the best of homestyle cooking. Packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings alike. The combination of seasoned beef, aromatic onions, and spices makes each bite a delightful experience, reminiscent of simpler times. Serve it warm with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onions
2 large (chopped)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
elbow macaroni
1 (16 ounce) bag (cooked)
crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
garlic salt
1 teaspoon (I use Lawry's)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, red pepper flakes, and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
2
While the beef and onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring the noodles are not added too soon to avoid overcooking.
3
Once the beef and onions are fully cooked, stir in the crushed tomatoes and approximately 1/2 cup of water. Season the mixture with garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5
When ready to serve, gently fold in the cooked macaroni noodles and mix well until combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Comfort Hamburger Goulash?
Classic Comfort Hamburger Goulash is a nostalgic, hearty dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners.
What ingredients are needed for the meat base?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef, 2 large chopped onions, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 16-ounce bag of elbow macaroni, cooked until al dente.
How long should I simmer the goulash sauce?
Once the beef and tomatoes are combined with the spices, let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt (Lawry's is recommended), 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How many calories are in a serving of this goulash?
Each serving of this Hamburger Goulash contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15 grams of protein in each serving.
Is this goulash recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of chili powder, but it is generally considered a family-friendly comfort meal.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat after browning the beef and onions to keep the dish lean.
Can I use a specific brand of garlic salt?
The recipe author specifically suggests using Lawry's garlic salt for the best flavor.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
This recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
How much water do I add to the sauce?
You should add approximately 1/2 cup of water when you stir in the crushed tomatoes.
How do I ensure the macaroni isn't overcooked?
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, and do not add it to the sauce until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe high in fat?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat, which is relatively moderate for a ground beef pasta dish.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a different protein source.
How should I serve Hamburger Goulash?
Serve it hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs, and accompanied by your favorite side dishes like garlic bread or a side salad.
Can I add vegetables to this goulash?
While the base recipe uses onions, many people enjoy adding bell peppers, corn, or peas to the simmer stage for extra nutrition.
How many onions are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 large chopped onions.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Technically it requires a pan for the beef sauce and a pot for boiling the noodles, but it is categorized as a simple, easy-to-clean meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance. It is recommended to store the noodles separately if making ahead to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is thick and rich, based on crushed tomatoes and seasoned beef, coating the elbow macaroni thoroughly.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients or nutritional data for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include: hamburger goulash, comfort food, easy meals, ground beef, pasta dish, family-friendly, one-pot meal, and nostalgic recipes.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Is this an authentic Hungarian goulash?
No, this is an American-style hamburger goulash, which is a pasta-based comfort food rather than the traditional Hungarian meat stew.
What is the preparation for the macaroni?
The macaroni should be boiled in salted water until al dente and then set aside before being folded into the beef sauce.
How should the onions be prepared?
The 2 large onions should be chopped and sautéed until they are translucent.
What is the preparation for the beef?
The beef should be sautéed in a frying pan until it is browned.