Mom’s Old Fashioned Goulash Soup

Cozy Up with a Bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? This Old Fashioned Goulash Soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen – this goulash comes together quickly, delivering maximum comfort with minimal effort.

This isn’t your typical fancy goulash. We’re going back to basics with simple, wholesome ingredients and a focus on that classic, comforting flavor. The combination of browned hamburger, sweet stewed tomatoes, and tender elbow noodles creates a truly satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s a dish that evokes memories of home and simpler times.

What makes this goulash ‘Old Fashioned’? It’s the simplicity! Many modern goulash recipes include a lot of extra ingredients. This recipe focuses on the core flavors that define a classic goulash – a rich tomato base, savory meat, and perfectly cooked noodles.

Tips for the Best Goulash:

• Lean Ground Beef: While any ground beef will work, using 93% lean helps minimize the need to drain excess grease.
• Tomato Consistency: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of water you add when blending the stewed tomatoes to achieve your preferred consistency. Some like a chunkier goulash, while others prefer a smoother sauce.
• Noodle Timing: Adding the noodles directly to the pot simplifies things, but be sure to cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Season to Taste: Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to customize the flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Old Fashioned Goulash Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s also great for meal prepping – leftovers taste even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use different types of noodles? Yes! Rotini, macaroni, or even egg noodles would work well in this recipe.
• Can I make this goulash in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the hamburger and onion first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Can I freeze this goulash? Yes, but the noodles may become a bit softer after freezing. It’s best to freeze the goulash without the noodles and add them when reheating.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains wheat noodles. You can substitute gluten-free noodles to make it gluten-free.
• Can I add vegetables? Yes! Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.