Egyptian Goulash: 7 Comforting Flavors to Savor

Oh, let me tell you about Egyptian Goulash! This dish is a true gem of Egyptian cuisine that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Growing up, I remember the delightful aroma wafting through the house as my family prepared this hearty masterpiece—layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce that just sings with flavor! It’s become a beloved staple in many homes, including mine, because it’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation!

Ingredients for Egyptian Goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Egyptian Goulash. Make sure to grab these ingredients before you start, and don’t worry, they’re all pretty straightforward!

• 500g ground beef: This is the star of the show, bringing that hearty richness to the dish.
• 250g elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta to soak up all those delicious flavors.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that garlicky goodness that makes everything better.
• 400g canned tomatoes: These will give your sauce that luscious, saucy texture.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that’s essential for that authentic taste.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your personal preference!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding a nice richness.
• 1 cup grated cheese: I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melty topping!

Got everything? Great! Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Egyptian Goulash

Ready to dive into the deliciousness of Egyptian Goulash? Let’s walk through this step by step so you can create a dish that’s sure to impress! Just follow along, and don’t worry if it feels like a lot at first—once you get the hang of it, you’ll breeze right through!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is key to getting that perfect golden, bubbly top!
2. Cook the macaroni: While your oven is warming up, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well, so it doesn’t water down your goulash.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
4. Brown the beef: Next, add the 500g of ground beef to the pan. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s well browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly!
5. Add the sauce: Now, stir in the 400g of canned tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and your spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together—oh, the aroma!
6. Layer the dish: Grab your baking dish and start layering! First, put down half of the cooked macaroni. Then, spoon the delicious meat mixture over the macaroni, spreading it evenly.
7. Top it off: Add the remaining macaroni on top of the meat, and sprinkle that 1 cup of grated cheese generously over everything. Trust me, you want that cheesy goodness!
8. Bake to perfection: Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden top and bubbly edges—yum!
9. Cool and serve: Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving. This helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to scoop out those delicious portions!

And there you have it—your very own Egyptian Goulash! Can you smell it already? It’s going to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Delicious flavors: The combination of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Filling and satisfying: This hearty dish is perfect for those days when you need something comforting and filling to warm your soul.
• Perfect for families: Egyptian Goulash is sure to please everyone at the table, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.
• Easy to customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own—it’s versatile and forgiving!
• Leftover friendly: It tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner without any hassle!

Tips for Success

Want to make your Egyptian Goulash even more amazing? Here are some of my favorite tips that really help elevate this dish!

• Ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also swap the elbow macaroni for penne or any pasta you have on hand—just make sure it’s a shape that holds sauce well!
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick!
• Cheese choices: I love a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, but you could also try feta for a tangy twist or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra flavor boost!
• Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for those 10 minutes allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
• Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for busy nights. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven to heat up!
• Serving suggestions: Pair your goulash with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. A dollop of yogurt on top also adds a nice creaminess!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making Egyptian Goulash in no time. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious Egyptian Goulash? Here’s what you can expect in each serving (that’s about 1/4 of the dish). Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 800mg

This hearty dish not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a good punch of protein and flavor. Enjoy every comforting bite while keeping these numbers in mind!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Egyptian Goulash? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.

Can I make Egyptian Goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it well, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s even tastier the next day, trust me!

Can I freeze Egyptian Goulash?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully. You could also use lentils for a vegetarian twist—just cook them until tender before mixing in!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic!

What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up against the sauce.

How can I make it spicier?
If you love some heat, add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What cheese is best for topping?
I love a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melty topping, but feel free to experiment with feta or even gouda for a unique twist!

Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! I love sharing the joy of cooking this delicious Egyptian Goulash!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some leftovers? Don’t worry; Egyptian Goulash keeps beautifully, and you’ll definitely want to savor those flavors again! Here’s how to store and reheat it perfectly so you can enjoy every last bite.

First things first, let the goulash cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside your container, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners!

If you want to keep it longer, you can definitely freeze it! Just wrap the goulash tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Now, for reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the goulash in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want that cheesy topping to get a little crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to keep your Egyptian Goulash just as delicious as the first time around! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious Egyptian Goulash, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate the meal experience! Trust me, the right sides can really complement those rich, hearty flavors.

• Fresh Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is perfect for balancing the richness of the goulash. I love adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up!
• Crusty Bread: Serve some warm, crusty bread or pita on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce—delicious!
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, adds a colorful and nutritious touch. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs before roasting.
• Yogurt or Tzatziki: A dollop of creamy yogurt or tzatziki on top of each serving brings a cool, tangy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully. It’s a game-changer!
• Pickles: If you’re feeling adventurous, serve some pickled vegetables on the side. They add an unexpected tang that pairs surprisingly well with the goulash.
• Egyptian Rice: For a heartier meal, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy Egyptian rice. The rice soaks up the flavors wonderfully and makes every bite more satisfying!

These simple yet delightful accompaniments will round out your Egyptian Goulash and create a memorable meal. Enjoy every mouthful and share the love with family and friends!

Print