Grandma's Goulash
Grandma's Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by B Wood Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $9.31 total, $2.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean; drain grease after browning)
- 1 piece Bell Pepper (diced; any color)
- 1 piece Onion (medium, diced)
- 2 tbsp Garlic Paste (store‑bought or minced fresh garlic)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (28 oz, no‑salt added)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 1 tbsp Seasoning Sauce (e.g., Worcestershire or soy sauce)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 pinch Brown Sugar (optional, adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tsp Chicken Bouillon (or 2 bouillon cubes, dissolved in a little water)
- 2 cup Elbow Macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with the wooden spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 6‑7 minutes. Drain off all excess grease using a colander.
Time: PT7M
Sauté Vegetables
Return the pot to the stove, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 4‑5 minutes until softened.
Time: PT5M
Season the Base
Stir in the seasoning sauce, black pepper, and garlic paste. Cook for 1‑2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Tomato Sauce & Paste
Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Add garlic powder, a pinch of brown sugar, chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, and a little more black pepper. Mix well for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Uncooked Macaroni
Add the dry elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Toss so the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Final Seasoning
Add the remaining chicken bouillon, a pinch more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Reduce heat to low‑medium, cover the pot, and let the goulash simmer for 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: low to medium
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Soy (if seasoning sauce contains soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Bell Pepper: red pepper flakes, poblano pepper
- Instead of Onion: shallots, leeks
- Instead of Garlic Paste: minced fresh garlic, garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: additional diced tomatoes, marinara sauce
- Instead of Tomato Paste: extra tomato sauce, ketchup (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Seasoning Sauce: soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh garlic, garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil mix
- Instead of Brown Sugar: honey (tiny drizzle), maple syrup (tiny drizzle)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon: vegetable bouillon, beef bouillon
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: small shells, penne
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot with Lid
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Colander
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown and drain the ground beef completely to avoid excess grease.
- Add the uncooked macaroni before the final simmer so it absorbs flavor.
- Simmer low‑medium until noodles are tender; over‑cooking makes them mushy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter, or substitute with ground turkey for a lower‑fat version.
- Fresh minced garlic (1 tsp) can replace garlic paste for a brighter flavor.
- A splash of red wine vinegar at the end adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Troubleshooting
Macaroni is too soft or mushy.
Reduce the final simmer time and add a little extra tomato sauce or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
Sauce is too thick before the noodles are done.
Stir in ¼‑½ cup of water or low‑sodium broth, then continue simmering.
Dish tastes bland.
Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more seasoning sauce and a pinch more garlic powder.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tomato‑based sauce a day ahead and refrigerate; add the uncooked macaroni just before cooking.
- Portion leftovers into single‑serve containers for quick reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Grandma's Goulash in American comfort food cuisine?
Grandma's Goulash reflects the mid‑20th‑century American cafeteria tradition where inexpensive ground meat, canned tomatoes, and pasta were combined into a filling, budget‑friendly meal. It became a staple in many households because it stretched cheap ingredients into a comforting, family‑style dinner.
How does Grandma's Goulash differ from typical cafeteria‑style goulash recipes?
The key difference is the timing of the tomato sauce: Grandma adds half of the sauce before the noodles and the remaining half after the macaroni is introduced, allowing the pasta to absorb flavor while keeping the sauce from becoming overly watery.
What traditional regional variations of goulash exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, goulash often includes beef broth and paprika, while in the Southwest cooks may add chili powder or corn. Some families substitute ground turkey or add cheese on top, creating a casserole‑style version.
On what occasions was Grandma's Goulash traditionally served in American households?
Grandma's Goulash was a go‑to weeknight dinner, a potluck staple, and a comforting dish for school‑age children after a long day. Its simplicity made it popular for family gatherings and budget‑conscious celebrations.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Grandma's Goulash versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. Modern substitutes can be ground turkey for leaner meat, fresh crushed tomatoes instead of canned, or gluten‑free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
What other American side dishes pair well with Grandma's Goulash?
A simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or buttery corn on the cob complement the rich, tomato‑based goulash and add fresh texture to the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Grandma's Goulash?
Common errors include not draining the grease from the browned meat, adding the pasta too early (which can make it mushy), and under‑seasoning the sauce. Follow the timing steps carefully and taste before serving.
Why does this Grandma's Goulash recipe add tomato sauce both before and after the macaroni?
Adding sauce in two stages ensures the pasta absorbs flavor while the final addition keeps the sauce from becoming too thin. This technique creates a richer, thicker consistency that coats the noodles evenly.
Can I make Grandma's Goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the macaroni fresh when ready to serve, or reheat the entire dish gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
What does the YouTube channel B Wood Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel B Wood Cooks focuses on affordable, family‑friendly recipes that often draw on nostalgic or heritage dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials with practical tips for home cooks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
