Goulash is an old-fashioned favorite for many people. It is easy to make and you can whip up a batch large enough for several adults in no time. So, if you have forgotten, or just never really knew, how to make goulash, here is one way to whip some up.
The first thing to do is to brown some ground beef or turkey. You will need about two pounds of ground meat. Brown this in a skillet and drain any excess grease from the meat. Set this aside for the moment.
For the sauce you will need approximately 28 ounces each of tomato sauce and chopped tomatoes. An ounce or two more or less is not important. Just be sure to have close to this measurement to get the flavor desired for your goulash.
You will also need one or two onions. It is up to you how much you would like to add to the dish. You can also use dried onions if you prefer. This is a bit easier and there are no large onion chunks in your goulash. The onions need to be chopped up before adding them to the recipe. You can also add some chopped peppers to your goulash, if you like.
To spice up the mix, add some garlic, oregano, red pepper, parsley, and a bay leaf. I would recommend at least one clove of garlic, or the equivalent. Use oregano, red pepper, parsley, and bay leaves at your discretion. Add as much as you like of these spices. You can also add a bit of salt, to your individual taste.
To finish off the list of ingredients, you will need two cups of macaroni. There are many varieties of pasta to choose from. You need not limit yourself to the elbow variety. Use some shells or ziti to add a different look to your goulash. There are also many types of whole wheat or mixed grain pasta to make your dish healthier for you and your family.
Combine the browned meat, tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, and spices in a large stock pot. Add three cups of water to the mixture. Stir this and let it simmer for at least thirty minutes, longer is better if you have the time. About thirty minutes before you plan to serve the meal, add the pasta. Be sure to keep stirring the goulash quite often. There is a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pan if not stirred, especially after the pasta is added to the recipe.
Simmer the goulash for about thirty minutes after adding the pasta. Test one of the pieces of pasta before taking off the heat. Be sure it is to your taste before serving.
This dish can be used for a family dinner, a potluck event, or when guests come to visit. It is delicious and quite easy to make. Hopefully, these instructions will help you prepare a lovely mean of goulash for your family, or whoever may wish to partake.
