Quick Summary
This blog post provides a comprehensive recipe for Beef and Bacon Goulash, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, bacon, and various other ingredients. The recipe can be customized to suit individual preferences and even prepared as a freezer meal for convenience. With positive user reviews and serving suggestions, this Beef and Bacon Goulash is sure to become a favorite comfort food option.
Introduction
Goulash is a beloved dish that originated in Hungary and has since become popular worldwide. It’s known for its rich flavors, tender meat, and comforting qualities. Today, we’re excited to share with you our recipe for Beef and Bacon Goulash – a hearty variation of this classic dish.
Our Beef and Bacon Goulash combines the smoky goodness of bacon with succulent beef stew meat to create a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more. This recipe also includes other ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, garlic, and seasonings to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delicious goulash from scratch. We’ll also offer tips on variations you can try based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Whether it’s served over mashed potatoes or accompanied by rice or vegetables – there are endless possibilities when it comes to enjoying Beef and Bacon Goulash! So let’s dive into the details together as we embark on an exciting culinary journey filled with savory aromas and mouthwatering tastes.
Recipe Overview
Beef and Bacon Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, crispy bacon, and an array of aromatic ingredients. This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic goulash by incorporating smoky bacon for added depth of flavor.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in this Beef and Bacon Goulash include succulent beef stew meat or ground beef (Italian sausage can also be used), savory bacon strips, onions, garlic cloves, green bell peppers, and mushrooms to add earthiness to the dish. The sauce consists of tomato soup combined with tangy tomato sauce which gives it its rich color and robust taste. A touch of sweetness comes from brown sugar while chili flakes provide just enough heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Preparation
- Start by cooking the bacon until crisp in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add your choice of protein – either cubed beef stew meat or ground beef/Italian sausage – along with diced onion into the same pot.
- Sauté them together until no longer pink before adding minced garlic for additional aroma.
- Throw in chopped green bell pepper followed by seasoning salt, black pepper, and chili flakes according to personal preference.
- Pour in both tomato soup as well as thickened broth made using water mixed with cornstarch.
- Add sliced mushrooms, giving it more texture.
- Cover your mixture, allowing all these wonderful flavors to simmer over low heat for about 50 minutes up till one-and-a-half hours. This slow-cooking process allows all those incredible tastes to meld together, creating a truly comforting experience.
Once cooked through, the final step involves mixing al dente penne pasta directly into our luscious goulash, serving immediately topped off generously with grated cheddar cheese/mozzarella under the broiler so they melt beautifully, forming a golden crust. This adds another layer of richness, making every bite even more satisfyingly indulgent!
Versatility and Customization
What makes this Beef and Bacon Goulash recipe truly special is its versatility. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can experiment with different types of pasta, such as macaroni or rotini, for a fun twist on the traditional dish. For those following a low-carb diet, you could even substitute cauliflower rice instead of penne pasta.
So whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner option or planning ahead by making freezer meals, this Beef and Bacon Goulash will surely satisfy your cravings. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers incredible flavors every time!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Beef and Bacon Goulash, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Seasoning salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- One can tomato soup
- Two cans tomato sauce
- Three tablespoons brown sugar
- One cup water
- Eight ounces mushrooms, sliced
- Eight ounces penne pasta
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping
These are all the essential components that come together to create a flavorful goulash. However, feel free to customize your recipe by adding any optional ingredients such as shredded carrot for added sweetness or different types of pasta if desired.
Make sure you have these items on hand before starting with the cooking process so that everything goes smoothly.
Cooking Instructions:
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Start by cooking the bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
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Brown the ground beef:
In the same pot with remaining bacon fat, add ground beef (or Italian sausage if preferred) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as you go.
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Add onions and bell peppers:
Once meat is browned, add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
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Seasonings time!
Stir in minced garlic cloves along with chili flakes, seasoning salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Tip: Adjust spice levels based on personal preference; feel free to increase or decrease amounts of chili flakes accordingly.
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Tomato goodness:
Pour in tomato soup followed by tomato sauce into your mixture. Add water, brown sugar, and mushrooms. Stir well till everything combines together perfectly.
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Simmer away:
The goulash needs some simmering time now. Cover your pan partially allowing steam escape. Let this delicious concoction simmer gently for around 50 minutes up to an hour. This will allow all flavors meld beautifully creating that rich depth of flavor we love so much!
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Prepare pasta:
Add penne pasta (or any other type you prefer) to boiling, salted water. Cook them al dente following package instructions. Drain once done but do not rinse. Set aside while finishing off our dish.
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Time for cheese!
Once Goulash has finished its long slow-cook journey, stir in drained pasta. Mix thoroughly ensuring every piece gets coated evenly. Now sprinkle shredded cheddar/mozzarella cheese generously across top.
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Broil under high temperature setting:
Just enough melt & slightly golden-brown crust forms atop. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of this Beef and Bacon Goulash!
Tip: For an extra cheesy twist, you can also mix some grated cheese into the goulash before adding pasta.
Note: The cooking times may vary depending on your stove or heat source. It’s important to taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Freezer Meal Option
Preparing the Beef and Bacon Goulash as a freezer meal offers convenience for busy days or when you want to plan ahead. By assembling and freezing the ingredients, you can have a delicious homemade goulash ready in no time.
1. Assembling Ingredients:
- Cube beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice onions, mushrooms, and bacon.
- In a large resealable freezer bag, combine the cubed beef stew meat with sliced onions, mushrooms, and bacon.
- Pour in enough beef broth to cover all the ingredients.
2. Freezing Process:
Seal the bag tightly while removing any excess air inside it. Make sure that all components are well mixed together before sealing completely.
3. Cooking Instructions (When Ready To Serve):
Thawing: Remove frozen goulash from the freezer 24 hours prior to cooking by placing it in the refrigerator overnight until fully thawed.
4. Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer thawed contents of the bag into a slow cooker.
- Set on low heat setting for 4-6 hours or until tender.
5. Thickening The Gravy (Optional):
If desired, you may thicken up gravy using cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cold water & cornstarch (about one tablespoon each) and stir them thoroughly. Add mixture slowly, stirring continuously till sauce thickens.
Once cooked through, the flavors will meld beautifully, resulting in an incredibly flavorful goulash to enjoy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or vegetables of your choice.
By following these instructions, you’ll be able to prepare a hearty Beef and Bacon Goulash even on your busiest days, saving time without compromising flavor. Enjoy the keto-friendliness and relish in the comfort of this make-ahead freezer meal.
Serving Suggestions
Beef and Bacon Goulash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your goulash experience:
Mashed Potatoes:
- Serve the Beef and Bacon Goulash over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combination of flavors and textures.
- The rich, savory sauce of the goulash pairs perfectly with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
Rice:
- For an alternative option, serve the goulash alongside fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati rice.
- The tender beef chunks and flavorful sauce will beautifully complement the simplicity of steamed rice.
Vegetables:
- Add some freshness to your meal by pairing it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- These vibrant veggies provide a nice contrast to the hearty nature of the goulash while adding essential nutrients.
Crusty Bread:
- Enjoy every last bit of delicious gravy by dipping crusty bread into it!
- A warm baguette or rustic loaf makes for an excellent accompaniment to soak up all those mouthwatering flavors.
Garnishes & Toppings:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness.
- Grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can be sprinkled over hot servings until melted creating gooey goodness!
Remember that these suggestions are just starting points – feel free to get creative! You could also try experimenting with different grains like quinoa or couscous if you prefer something lighter than traditional starches.
The beauty lies in customizing this comforting dish according to personal preferences; whether you choose creamy mashers, fluffy rice, a steaming veggie medley, bread dunked into thickened gravy, or topped off with grated cheese, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making each plate unique.
Tips and Variations
Making the perfect Beef and Bacon Goulash requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some additional suggestions to enhance your cooking experience:
1. Use high-quality ingredients:
Opt for fresh, lean ground beef or Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Choose thick-cut bacon that adds a smoky richness to the dish.
2. Browning meat properly:
When browning the meat, ensure it is cooked thoroughly until no longer pink before adding other ingredients. This step helps develop rich flavors in the goulash.
3. Adjust seasoning levels:
Feel free to adjust seasonings according to personal taste preferences by increasing or decreasing chili flakes, black pepper, or salt quantities.
4. Vegetarian option:
For those who prefer vegetarian options, you can substitute mushrooms as an alternative protein source instead of using ground beef or sausage.
5. Dietary considerations:
To make this recipe gluten-free-friendly, use gluten-free pasta such as rice noodles instead of penne pasta.
6. Additional vegetables:
Enhance nutritional value by incorporating more veggies into your goulash! Consider adding diced carrots along with bell peppers for added color and texture.
Remember that recipes are meant to be customized based on individual tastes; don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations!
Whether you choose spicy Hungarian paprika over regular chili flakes or opt for smoked cheddar cheese rather than mozzarella – these small changes can elevate your Beef and Bacon Goulash.
User Reviews and Feedback
At Brood, we love hearing from our readers who have tried out the recipes we share. The Beef and Bacon Goulash recipe has received rave reviews for its delicious taste and comforting qualities. Here are some of the positive user reviews and feedback:
Instant Hit for Family Dinner
One reader mentioned that they made this goulash for their family dinner, and it was an instant hit! They loved how the combination of beef, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and spices created a rich flavor profile that left everyone wanting seconds.
Easy to Make with Incredible Flavors
Another reviewer highlighted how easy it was to make this dish while still achieving incredible flavors. They particularly enjoyed the smoky undertones provided by adding crispy bacon into the mix.
Savory Goodness with Italian Sausage
A user shared their experience with making slight modifications to suit their dietary preferences by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. According to them, this substitution added an extra layer of savory goodness to every bite.
Versatile Serving Options
Some readers also appreciated how versatile this recipe is when it comes to serving options. Many suggested pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice as perfect accompaniments that complemented both texture-wise as well as in terms of taste profiles.
The overall consensus among those who have tried our Beef and Bacon Goulash is overwhelmingly positive – people simply can’t get enough! This hearty dish offers comfort food at its finest; each spoonful warms you up from within while satisfying your cravings for bold flavors.
We encourage all our readers looking for a wholesome meal option packed with robust tastes not only try but also experiment further with variations on our original recipe based on personal preferences – whether through ingredient substitutions or additional seasonings!
Remember always feel free leave us comments about any tweaks you’ve made so others may benefit too!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Beef and Bacon Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of beef, bacon, and various other ingredients. Throughout this blog post, we have provided you with a comprehensive recipe for making this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
We started by outlining the main ingredients required to make Beef and Bacon Goulash. From ground beef or Italian sausage to onions, garlic, mushrooms, tomato soup – each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor in this dish.
Cooking Instructions
Next came the cooking instructions where we guided you through step-by-step on how to prepare your goulash. Whether it’s simmering all those savory components together or adding cooked pasta before topping it off with melted cheese under the broiler – every detail has been covered so that you can achieve perfect results.
Freezing Options
For those looking for convenience without compromising taste quality; we also discussed freezing options as well! You can assemble all these wonderful ingredients into freezer bags ahead of time which makes preparing dinner even easier when life gets busy!
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Beef and Bacon Goulash there are endless possibilities: mashed potatoes provide creamy comfort while rice adds texture variation; vegetables offer freshness alongside their nutritional benefits too! Don’t forget about garnishes like fresh herbs or grated cheese either- they add extra flair!
Tips and Variations
Throughout our research process users who tried out recipes similar mentioned positive feedbacks such as “delicious” & “comfort food”. We encourage readers not only try but experiment variations according personal preferences because afterall everyone deserves something tailored just right themself.
Thank YOU dear reader visiting Brood website today exploring what South African cuisine offers its visitors from around world. If enjoyed reading about “Beef And Bacon Goulash” then please feel free explore more exciting dishes available here!