How to make Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients:
4-5 pounds of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2-3 pounds of elbow macaroni (or two standard 16-ounce boxes)
2 large 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
1-2 large 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
1-2 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce
1-2 6-ounce cans of tomato paste
2-3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
1 whole head of garlic, minced
1-2 large green bell peppers, chopped
6-8 cups of beef broth
2-3 tablespoons of sweet paprika
1-2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2-3 bay leaves
1-2 teaspoons of sugar
Neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil)
Directions:
Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready. Chop your onions, mince your garlic, dice your bell peppers, and open all your cans of tomatoes.
Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon or two of oil over medium-high heat in a large stockpot. Add the ground beef in batches if necessary, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the beef broth, and if using, balsamic vinegar. Stir in the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and a good amount of salt and pepper.
Simmer for Richness: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
Combine and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings one last time.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for a Crowd
This Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to feed a crowd without a ton of fuss. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The ease of preparation is another highlight. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it simple to whip up on a weeknight or for a special event. By using one large pot, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Nutritional Benefits
While comfort food is often seen as indulgent, you can find some nutritious aspects in this goulash recipe. Here are some benefits:
| Nutritional Element | Benefits |
|—————————–|———————————————–|
| Lean Ground Beef | Provides protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health. |
| Elbow Macaroni | Offers carbohydrates for energy, especially important for active days. |
| Tomatoes | Rich in vitamins C and K, and lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health. |
| Bell Peppers | High in vitamin C, which supports the immune system. |
| Onions and Garlic | Have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to heart health. |
While it’s important to enjoy meals like goulash in moderation, you can also make conscious choices about the ingredients to customize the nutrition profile to better suit your needs.
What to Serve With Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for a Crowd
Goulash is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens can balance the hearty flavors of the goulash.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed veggies add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of your serving for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely with such a tasty dish), you can store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Refrigerator: Allow the goulash to cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion the goulash into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop. Add a little water or broth if it seems too thick after refrigeration.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time to brown the beef nicely. This step adds depth to the flavor.
Season as You Go: Taste your goulash while cooking and adjust the seasonings. You’ll get a better final flavor if you season at different stages.
Don’t Skip the Simmering: Allowing it to simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Be Careful with Pasta: Make sure not to overcook the macaroni before adding it to the sauce. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Variations
You can customize this goulash recipe to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences:
Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Goulash: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Cheesy Goulash: Stir in shredded cheese or cream cheese into the sauce for a creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare goulash a day or two ahead. The flavors deepen as they sit, making it even tastier.
Can I freeze goulash?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in airtight containers. Freeze it for up to three months.
What can I use instead of beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter version.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like shells, penne, or even spaghetti!
Can I adjust the spices?
Yes! Feel free to alter the spices according to your taste preferences, adding more paprika for sweetness or Italian seasoning for herbaceous notes.
This Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for a Crowd is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
A classic comfort dish perfect for family gatherings, combining ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
4–5 pounds of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2–3 pounds of elbow macaroni (or two standard 16-ounce boxes)
2 large 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
1–2 large 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
1–2 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce
1–2 6-ounce cans of tomato paste
2–3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
1 whole head of garlic, minced
1–2 large green bell peppers, chopped
6–8 cups of beef broth
2–3 tablespoons of sweet paprika
1–2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 bay leaves
1–2 teaspoons of sugar
Neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready. Chop your onions, mince your garlic, dice your bell peppers, and open all your cans of tomatoes.
Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon or two of oil over medium-high heat in a large stockpot. Add the ground beef in batches if necessary, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the beef broth, and if using, balsamic vinegar. Stir in the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and a good amount of salt and pepper.
Simmer for Richness: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
Combine and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings one last time.
Notes
Make sure to let the flavors meld by simmering and adjust seasoning to taste.
A classic comfort dish perfect for family gatherings, combining ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
4–5 pounds of lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2–3 pounds of elbow macaroni (or two standard 16-ounce boxes)
2 large 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
1–2 large 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
1–2 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce
1–2 6-ounce cans of tomato paste
2–3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
1 whole head of garlic, minced
1–2 large green bell peppers, chopped
6–8 cups of beef broth
2–3 tablespoons of sweet paprika
1–2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 bay leaves
1–2 teaspoons of sugar
Neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready. Chop your onions, mince your garlic, dice your bell peppers, and open all your cans of tomatoes.
Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon or two of oil over medium-high heat in a large stockpot. Add the ground beef in batches if necessary, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the beef broth, and if using, balsamic vinegar. Stir in the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and a good amount of salt and pepper.
Simmer for Richness: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes.
Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
Combine and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings one last time.
Notes
Make sure to let the flavors meld by simmering and adjust seasoning to taste.