Mom’s Goulash

garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes

1. Sprinkle the paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
3. Add the bay leaf to the mixture, which will infuse the goulash with a subtle, aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Goulash

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the goulash simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce.
2. While the goulash simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Once the goulash has simmered and the flavors have melded, remove the bay leaf.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the goulash sauce, stirring well to combine and ensure the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

1. Serve Mom’s Goulash hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Customize Mom’s Goulash by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes to make the dish visually appealing and fun for kids.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash.
• Make it dairy-rich by topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.

Conclusion:

Mom’s Goulash is a heartwarming dish that embodies the comfort and nostalgia of family cooking. With its blend of savory spices, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a meal that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying to savor. Prepare a batch of Mom’s Goulash for your loved ones and create new memories around this classic comfort food.