Grandma’s Goulash Recipe
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting and hearty halal-friendly dish featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and tender elbow macaroni. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare, packed with rich flavors, and perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in. Optionally topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, it brings a delightful balance of savory and satisfying textures.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb halal ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp halal Worcestershire sauce (or 1 tsp soy sauce + 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked (gluten-free or protein pasta can be used)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella, halal-friendly (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the halal ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic into the browned meat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant, building a flavorful base.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Stir in halal Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Season: Remove the bay leaf. If using cheese, stir it into the hot mixture until melted and creamy. Taste the goulash and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Use gluten-free or protein-enriched pasta if you prefer gluten-free options.
- Halal Worcestershire sauce enhances the depth of flavor; alternatively, a mix of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar replicates its tang.
- Adding cheese is optional but adds a creamy richness to the dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning and spices according to taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Grandma’s Goulash, halal goulash recipe, beef goulash, one pot meals, comfort food, easy dinner recipes, halal ground beef recipes