Nora
There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of Grandma’s Goulash. This hearty, old-fashioned American classic has been warming families for generations, with its tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato base. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and makes everyone gather around the table.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, Grandma’s Goulash is budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make. The flavors only get better as they simmer together, making it a great choice for meal prepping or reheating the next day. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top make it irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Goulash
- Comfort in every bite: The rich, savory tomato sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
- Quick and simple: Ready in under an hour with pantry staples.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add veggies, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
What Type of Ground Beef Works Best for Grandma’s Goulash?
Lean ground beef (85/15) is ideal because it provides just enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works too, but the flavor will be milder. For a richer taste, you can even mix ground beef with a bit of ground sausage.
Ingredients for the Grandma’s Goulash
Every ingredient in Grandma’s Goulash plays an important role in building that cozy, homestyle flavor. Ground beef brings the savory base, while tomatoes and spices create the tangy-sweet sauce that clings to the macaroni.
- Ground Beef – The star of the dish, adding a rich, meaty flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni – Perfect for holding onto the tomato sauce.
- Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the beef as it sautés.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle aromatic kick.
- Canned Tomatoes – The base of the sauce, giving a tangy richness.
- Tomato Sauce – Adds thickness and a deeper tomato flavor.
- Beef Broth – Infuses the pasta with a savory taste as it cooks.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs for that classic comfort food vibe.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
- Sour Cream & Parsley (optional) – A creamy, fresh finish.
How To Make the Grandma’s Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Add minced garlic, canned tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir in beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the savory broth.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, give the goulash a final stir. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that classic Grandma’s touch.
Serving and Storing Grandma’s Goulash
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or for sharing at a potluck. It’s best served fresh, but the flavors deepen beautifully when stored and reheated.
To store, let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Grandma’s Goulash?
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty pasta.
Steamed Green Beans
A side of tender green beans adds a healthy and colorful touch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers pair wonderfully with the savory goulash.
Coleslaw
A tangy, creamy slaw adds a nice crunch and contrast.
Cheddar Biscuits
Soft, cheesy biscuits make the meal feel extra indulgent.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A light, crisp salad that brightens up the rich flavors of the goulash.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet, buttery corn adds a fun and comforting side to the table.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you love this cozy Grandma’s Goulash, you might enjoy these other hearty, family-friendly favorites:
- Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish for another beefy pasta delight.
- Creamy Beef and Shells – A Comforting One-Pan Delight when you’re craving something creamy and cheesy.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, rich weeknight meal.
- Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a cheesy baked option.
- The Best Chili Recipe when you’re in the mood for something warm and spicy.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra veggies or a bit of spice? Did you try topping it with cheese?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore more comforting family meals and beautifully curated recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dinner idea!
Grandma’s Goulash
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g diced tomatoes
- 425 g tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot with sour cream and parsley if desired.