Go Back
Moms Goulash

Moms Goulash

The ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out! Moms Goulash combines hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich sauce to create an easy weeknight dinner. Serve it to your family and watch them fall in love with every bite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 90% lean
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes diced, with juices
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 2 bay leaves fresh or dried
  • 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 cups small elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the green bell pepper, onion, and garlic for about 5 to 8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are tender. Stir occasionally.
  2. Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in a pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Discard excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Next, stir in the beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the basil, oregano, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
  5. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Mix well and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer longer until it thickens.
  7. Once the macaroni is cooked and the sauce is perfect, remove from heat. Optionally sprinkle with shredded cheddar and let it melt slightly.
  8. Garnish with Italian parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Ingredient Flexibility: Any type of canned tomatoes will work, including diced, crushed, or stewed.
  • Consistent Sauce: The sauce thickens as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid. Add broth for thinner sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat.