Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty One-Pan Goulash?
Hearty One-Pan Goulash is a comforting skillet meal that combines savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and rich tomatoes in a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup.
How many servings does this goulash recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of ground beef, a medium onion, canned tomatoes, celery, water, egg noodles, and a blend of dried herbs and spices.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork depending on your preference.
What type of noodles are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 cups of uncooked egg noodles, which hold up well in the savory sauce.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, once the ground beef and onion are browned, you should drain any excess fat to ensure the dish isn't overly greasy.
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, this is a one-pan meal. The uncooked egg noodles are added directly to the skillet and simmered until tender.
How long does the total cooking process take?
The dish requires about 20 minutes of initial simmering followed by another 10-12 minutes once the noodles are added, plus browning time.
What size skillet should I use?
A large 10-inch skillet is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients and allow room for stirring.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, use a 16-ounce can of undrained tomatoes. The liquid from the can helps cook the noodles and creates the base for the sauce.
What spices provide the flavor in this goulash?
The flavor comes from a combination of salt, pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of dried basil leaves, and 1/8 teaspoon of dried marjoram.
What if the liquid evaporates before the noodles are cooked?
If the sauce looks too dry or the noodles aren't fully submerged, you can add a small amount of additional water during the final simmer.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.
How many calories are in a serving of this goulash?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add cheese to this meal?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving the hot goulash with an optional garnish of grated cheese for extra indulgence.
Can I substitute the dried marjoram?
If you don't have marjoram, you can substitute it with dried oregano or thyme for a similar herbal profile.
Is this dish considered a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, using ground beef, canned tomatoes, and egg noodles makes this a very cost-effective weeknight dinner.
How should I prepare the celery?
The recipe calls for one stalk of celery, which should be chopped before being added to the skillet.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but you may need to add additional tomato juice or water to compensate for the liquid found in a 16-ounce can of undrained tomatoes.
What should I do if I want more vegetables?
You can easily add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or frozen peas to the skillet along with the celery for extra nutrition.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan?
Ensure you stir the mixture occasionally while the noodles are simmering to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, egg noodles contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a certified gluten-free pasta alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this goulash be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture of the egg noodles may become softer upon reheating.
What side dishes go well with goulash?
It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and onions first, then cook everything except the noodles on low for 6-8 hours, adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, this recipe is savory and mild. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.