Quick and Easy Goulash: A Hug in a Bowl

There are certain dishes that, when you smell them cooking, instantly transport you back to a simpler time. For me, that dish is goulash, a hearty, comforting casserole that was a staple in my childhood kitchen. My mother, a woman of incredible resourcefulness and love, could whip this up in what felt like minutes, transforming humble ingredients into a meal that tasted like pure magic. It was the kind of dinner that signaled warmth, security, and the end of a long day, and the joy on my siblings’ and my faces was always her best reward. This recipe is a direct descendant of that cherished memory, a testament to how delicious home cooking can be, even when life is bustling.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This goulash is all about simplicity and flavor, coming together with just a handful of pantry staples. The key here is the quality of your condensed tomato soup – don’t skimp!

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cans (284 ml each) Heinz condensed tomato soup (this is the best kind for it)
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 2-4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this straightforward dish. Most of it can be prepared in a single pot, minimizing cleanup.

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan (for cooking pasta)
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

The beauty of this goulash lies in its no-fuss approach. Everything comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal.

1. Begin by browning the lean ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and pressed garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
2. While the beef mixture is cooking, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the uncooked macaroni noodles and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
3. Once the pasta has reached the desired tenderness, carefully drain it using a colander.
4. To the skillet containing the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic, add the two cans of Heinz condensed tomato soup and the frozen corn. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to heat through thoroughly.
6. Season the goulash generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that condensed soup can be salty, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
7. Now, it’s time to combine the two elements. Add the strained pasta to the skillet with the meat and soup mixture.
8. Gently stir everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems a little too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
9. Continue to heat the combined goulash on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. This usually takes just a few more minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate even the simplest dishes. For this goulash, a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

• Onion Sauté: For a deeper onion flavor, you can caramelize the onion slightly before adding the garlic and beef. This will take a few extra minutes but adds a wonderful sweetness.
• Garlic Intensity: The recipe calls for 2-4 cloves of garlic. If you love a strong garlic punch, don’t be afraid to use the full four! For a milder flavor, stick to two.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture as it browns.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme added with the soup can bring another layer of aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook slightly as it heats in the goulash. Aim for truly al dente when you drain it.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This goulash is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce.

• Serving: Serve the goulash hot, ladled generously into bowls. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a lovely touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the goulash in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the goulash has thickened significantly.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	543.6 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	13.4 g	20%
Saturated Fat	5.2 g	26%
Cholesterol	73.7 mg	24%
Sodium	865.6 mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	73.4 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	5.1 g	20%
Sugars	13.3 g	53%
Protein	33.9 g	67%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or a can of drained and rinsed lentils.
• Different Pasta: Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni if you don’t have the specified type.
• Extra Veggies: Add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers or peas along with the corn.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cook the pasta separately and combine them when you’re ready to heat and serve.

Q: My goulash seems a bit dry, what can I do?
A: You can easily thin out the goulash by stirring in a little water, broth, or even a splash of milk while it’s heating.

Q: Is Heinz condensed tomato soup essential for this recipe?
A: While other condensed tomato soups can work, Heinz is specifically recommended for its unique flavor profile that complements this dish perfectly.

Q: How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
A: Browning the ground beef typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove and the size of your skillet.

Q: Can I freeze this goulash?
A: Yes, goulash freezes quite well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last for up to 2-3 months.

This Quick and Easy Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace, a reminder of home, and proof that delicious, satisfying food doesn’t need to be complicated. I encourage you to make it, share it, and create your own warm memories around the table. Enjoy every spoonful!