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Grandma’s Classic Goulash Recipe

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Grandma’s Classic Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory tomato broth. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or nostalgic cravings. With layers of flavor and timeless appeal, it’s a recipe passed down with love—and meant to be shared.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1½ cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1½ tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: 1 cup elbow macaroni, ½ cup frozen peas, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Season with paprika, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. If using pasta or peas, add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  9. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.