Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Hungary! This mouthwatering Goulash with Red Kidney Beans is not just a meal—it's a hearty, soul-warming experience that combines rich, robust flavors with incredible simplicity. Whether you're craving a comforting dinner on a chilly evening or looking to impress your family with an authentic European-inspired dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and draining the kidney beans and tomatoes.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle paprika over the meat mixture, stirring to coat evenly and release the spice's rich flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and bean mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ground Beef: For the most flavorful goulash, select ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure juiciness and depth of flavor.
- Toast Your Paprika: Before adding paprika to the meat, consider toasting it briefly in the pan to enhance its rich, smoky flavor profile.
- Let It Simmer Slowly: Patience is key. Allow the goulash to simmer on low heat to let the flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the goulash.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley for garnishing—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This goulash tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for even more developed flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
