Description
Hungarian goulash offers a hearty symphony of tender beef, paprika-infused broth, and robust vegetables simmered to perfection. Comforting flavors transport diners directly to Hungarian countryside kitchens with each savory spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 2.5 cups (590 ml) water
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) beef broth
- 0.33 cups (79 ml) olive oil
- 2 (15-oz) cans (850 g) tomato sauce
- 2 (15-oz) cans (850 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 0.5 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups (180 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sear and Brown: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, transform ground meat into a golden-crusted masterpiece, developing deep, caramelized flavors.
- Aromatic Foundation: Introduce minced garlic and diced onions to the sizzling meat, drizzling olive oil to amplify the sautéing process and complete the meat’s transformation.
- Flavor Infusion: Pour water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
- Simmer and Meld: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to harmonize its flavors for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Pasta Integration: Fold uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce, ensuring complete coating, and continue cooking covered for 30 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
- Cheese Finale: Remove bay leaves, then incorporate cheddar cheese to create a creamy texture, topping with melted mozzarella for a luxurious finish.
Notes
- Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground meat develops a golden crust for enhanced flavor depth and caramelization before adding other ingredients.
- Seasoning Balance: Use Italian and Adobo seasonings strategically to create a complex, layered taste profile without overwhelming the dish.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Add uncooked macaroni directly into the sauce to absorb flavors and prevent excess water, creating a more concentrated and rich goulash.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheddar cheese off-heat to prevent separation and fold gently for a smooth, creamy texture that coats every bite perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 476
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg