What’s your go-to dish when you want something hearty and comforting? If you’re looking for a simple recipe that’s packed with flavor and nostalgia, you might find joy in Lucille Ball’s favorite Sunday dinner: a delicious beef goulash. Let’s dig into what makes this goulash a cherished meal and how you can whip it up in your kitchen with just a few ingredients.
The Roots of Beef Goulash
Beef goulash is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition that brings warmth and satisfaction to a Sunday dinner. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavors but also in its simplicity. Lucille Ball, the iconic actress and comedian, had a fondness for this comforting dish, which contains only six main ingredients.
You might be surprised at how easy it is to bring this classic into your home. With just a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy a delightful meal that pays homage to Lucille’s taste.
The Six Essential Ingredients
Lean Ground Round
At the heart of this goulash is lean ground round. This cut of beef is perfect for creating a delicious and satisfying base for your dish. You’ll want to use lean meat to keep the goulash hearty but avoid excess grease. The browning process not only adds a rich flavor but also sets the stage for the subsequent ingredients.
Green Onions
Green onions bring a mild yet distinct flavor to your goulash. Not only do they add a pop of color, but their slight sharpness perfectly complements the richness of the beef. Chopping them finely allows for even distribution throughout the dish, enhancing every single bite with a bit of crunch and freshness.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many recipes, and it works wonderfully in beef goulash. It infuses the dish with warmth and depth of flavor, making it more aromatic and appetizing. You might want to use fresh garlic for the best results, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute if you’re in a pinch.
Green Peppers
Green peppers add a vibrant color and a hint of sweetness to the goulash. They also offer a slight crunch that enhances the overall texture. When choosing green peppers, look for ones that are firm and glossy to ensure they’re fresh and tasty.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes serve as the liquid base for this goulash, creating a rich sauce that binds all the ingredients together. You can choose diced or crushed tomatoes depending on your texture preference. Opting for fire-roasted canned tomatoes can introduce a smoky element that complements the other flavors splendidly.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the final touch that makes this dish complete. They provide a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich meat and sauce. Cooked separately and tossed in at the end, they soak up the flavors, ensuring each bite is utterly delicious.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the overall flavor of the dish. Let’s look at how to bring all these elements together to create a delightful meal.
Preparing the Goulash
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to prepare Lucille Ball’s simple beef goulash. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly everything comes together.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground round and cook until browned. Be sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it’s crumbly and browned evenly. The savory aroma of the beef browning will set the mood for the wonderful dish you’re creating.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and diced green peppers. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are slightly tender. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together before introducing the liquid ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add the canned tomatoes. Pour in the entire can, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any delicious browned bits that may have stuck during cooking. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer—perhaps a sprinkle of oregano or basil for an Italian twist.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering period allows all the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. During this time, feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the perfect flavor profile for your goulash.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the goulash is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water before adding the noodles for added flavor. Once they are cooked, drain and set them aside.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, mix the cooked egg noodles into the beef goulash, ensuring everything is well combined. Serve hot, topped with additional green onions if desired.
Accompanying Meal Suggestions
To complement Lucille’s goulash, think about simple side dishes that enhance the meal without causing too much hassle in the kitchen.
Simple Two-Ingredient Salad
A fresh salad can brighten up the meal. For Lucille Ball’s style, keep it very simple: just iceberg lettuce and your favorite dressing. The crispness of the lettuce provides a refreshing counterbalance to the hearty goulash.
Garlic Bread
Nothing says comfort like garlic bread served alongside goulash. You can easily prepare this by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of bread, then toasting them in the oven until golden. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings an aromatic element to your table.
Fruit and Cheese Plate for Dessert
To finish off your meal on a light note, consider a fruit and cheese plate for dessert. A mix of seasonal fruits such as apples, grapes, and berries, paired with your choice of mild cheese, creates a lovely and refreshing way to end the evening.
Scaling for Guests
One of the great aspects of this beef goulash recipe is that it can be easily scaled to accommodate any number of guests. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing for a larger gathering, adjusting the quantities of the ingredients is straightforward.
For example, if you’re cooking for just two people, you can divide the amount of each ingredient in half. Alternatively, if you have a group of eight to ten, simply double the recipe while keeping the cooking method the same. The beauty lies in its flexibility, making it a practical choice for various occasions.
Healthier Alternatives
While this goulash is undeniably delicious, you might be interested in making it a bit healthier. Here are a couple of alternatives to consider:
Alternative Greens
Instead of traditional green peppers, you might try adding other greens like spinach or kale. These are rich in nutrients and will blend well into the dish without overwhelming the taste. Plus, they add a beautiful green color that makes the dish pop.
Seasonal Fruits
When thinking about dessert, consider incorporating seasonal fruits into your fruit and cheese plate. Using what’s fresh and available not only supports local agriculture but also brings vibrant flavors to your dish. Think about pairing ripe peaches in the summer or crisp apples in the fall for a delightful end to your meal.
Making it a Weeknight Dinner
Life can get busy, and having a quick and easy recipe up your sleeve is invaluable. Thankfully, this beef goulash is perfect for busy weeknights. The entire cooking process is manageable within about 45 minutes, making it a great choice when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
Lucille Ball’s simple beef goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, nourishing experience that can bring family and friends together. With just six main ingredients, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and adaptable to your taste. Each step is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can confidently make it.
So, the next time you’re pondering what to prepare, remember this delightful goulash recipe. It’s an opportunity to create memories around the dinner table while enjoying a dish that has stood the test of time. Enjoy the cooking process, savor the flavors, and, most importantly, share the love with those around you.
