Hey there, foodie friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a beloved family favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation – One-Pot Beef or Turkey Goulash. This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender ground meat, aromatic herbs, savory seasonings, and gooey cheese, all simmered together with macaroni to create a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy dinner at home, this recipe has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover how to whip up a batch of this mouthwatering goulash!
Recipe: One-Pot Beef or Turkey Goulash
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large pan, sauté your ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s halfway cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Saute Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic, diced onions, and olive oil. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Lower the heat, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Macaroni:
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni until it’s well combined with the meat and sauce mixture.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cover the skillet again and let the goulash simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked to your liking.
- Remove Bay Leaves:
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the goulash.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully combined with the goulash.
- Serve:
- Right before serving, sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese on top of the goulash and let it melt slightly.
- Enjoy!
- Serve the One-Pot Beef or Turkey Goulash hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use other types of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells, depending on your preference.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This goulash actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover goulash in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I customize the seasonings?
- Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less of the Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, or any other herbs and spices you like.
Tips:
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider incorporating diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini into the goulash.
- Let it Rest: Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust Cheese Amount: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to suit your preference. You can add more or less cheese, or even mix in different types of cheese for variety.
With this One-Pot Beef or Turkey Goulash recipe, you’ll create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
