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Dive into our Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey), the ultimate one-pot comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights! This low-carb rendition of my Grandma's beloved recipe combines juicy ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a hearty, flavorful sauce. Quick to whip up and brimming with homestyle goodness, it’s an ideal meal for families craving a touch of nostalgia without the carbs.
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Cozy Up with Keto Goulash : A Low-Carb Twist on Grandma’s Classic
Hey, foodie fam! Today, I’m thrilled to bring a slice of nostalgia straight to your kitchen with a low-carb twist on a beloved family recipe—my Grandma’s Goulash aka American Chop Suey. Known affectionately in our family as 'Ghoulash' when she made it on the cold Halloween nights in Reno, this dish warmed our hearts and bellies as we prepared for a night of trick-or-treating fun.
Transforming this classic into a Keto-friendly delight, this updated version retains all the hearty, comforting vibes of the original while fitting perfectly into a low-carb diet. Imagine the rich, savory blend of sautéed onions and garlic, complemented by the robust tang of tomatoes and a medley of earthy spices—all simmering together to recreate those warm, nostalgic evenings.
My aim was simple: to honor the tradition and memories associated with my Grandma’s cooking while adapting it to my Keto lifestyle. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace from the past, lovingly served up in a modern, carb-conscious way.
As you savor each spoonful of this Keto Goulash, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal—you're keeping cherished traditions alive and making new memories. It’s proof that with a few thoughtful tweaks, we can continue to celebrate the flavors of our heritage without compromising our health goals. So gather around the table, and let’s make dining a memorable, flavor-filled journey together!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
In This Post
🥘 Keto Goulash Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Keto Goulash
- Ground Beef - I use grass-fed 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef for this recipe.
- Low Carb Pasta - feel free to use whatever short cut low carb pasta you prefer but this recipe was designed using this pasta so I recommend using it.
- Shredded Cheese - I use shredded cheddar cheese in this but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Keto Goulash Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Keto Goulash. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Sauté the ground beef in a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, until no pink remains.
Add the bone broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, marjoram, crushed red pepper flake, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Remove the lid and add the pasta. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the shredded cheese if using.
Hint: To make this Keto Goulash even more versatile, consider adding a variety of your favorite low-carb veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower are fantastic options that will add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences!
Substitutions
- Ground Beef - While the recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Pasta - If you're looking for a pasta alternative, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash strands, or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option.
- Cheese - Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Try using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor.
📖Variations
- Tex-Mex - omit the marjoram and incorporate diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Italian-Inspired - swap out the cumin for my Italian seasoning blend and add chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to infuse the dish with Italian flavors.
- Vegetarian - Omit the ground meat and replace it with extra veggies or plant-based protein sources like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Keto Goulash.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to allow it to cool down before sealing. The goulash will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch for future meals, the Keto Goulash can be frozen. While the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, many find it perfectly acceptable. Portion the goulash into individual servings, place them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the goulash in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a touch of additional broth or water during reheating can help restore moisture.
💭Top tip
Want to make meal prep a breeze? Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for those busy days when you need a quick and comforting meal. Simply thaw and reheat, and you'll have a taste of nostalgia ready in minutes. It's a smart way to enjoy your Keto Goulash whenever you're craving that familiar and satisfying flavor.
FAQ about Keto Goulash
Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavors will still blend beautifully with the other ingredients, providing a delicious and nutritious variation.
Absolutely! This recipe is not only keto-friendly but also kid-friendly. Many families find that even picky eaters enjoy the rich flavors and familiar pasta in this dish. It's a great way to introduce them to low-carb meals.
Absolutely! This goulash actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat gently to preserve its wonderful taste and texture.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Low Carb Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Keto Lasagna
- Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pasta
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey):
- Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower
- Keto Caesar Salad
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Keto Dinner Rolls
- Keto Garlic Bread
- Low Carb Mixed Berry Salad
Keto Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cup beef bone broth or more as needed
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 2 organic bay leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 1/2 tsp pink salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper or to taste
- 8 ounces low carb elbow pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- sour cream optional
Instructions
- Sauté the ground beef in a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, until no pink remains.
- Add the onions and garlic. Stirring occasionally, cook until the onions are translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the bone broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, marjoram, crushed red pepper flake, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Place a lid on the pot and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the pasta. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened up.
- Stir in the shredded cheese.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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bobbiskozykitchen
If you click on the recipe in the index or scroll to the bottom you can clearly see the recipe card. The amount of paprkia is not abnormal for a hungarian goulash recipe. This was adapted from my Grandmother's version and trust me, it is very good. But you are welcome to reduce it if you don't want to use the full amount.
Danae
Ads were annoying but the recipe was worth it. Thanks for sharing!
bobbiskozykitchen
I am so happy that you enjoyed the recipe. I was excited to take my Grandmother's recipe and make it low carb! I get that ads can be annoying, but they are the only way that bloggers like me can afford to provide free recipes for everyone. It costs me over $1000 a month to keep the blog running between paying for web hosting and other programs needed to edit and create the content, buying food so I can test the recipes a minimum of 3 times before I post them, photography and video expenses, etc., so I am sure you can understand that I need to find a way to make up that amount.
Sissy
This was the comfort food I was looking for! Super easy to make too!!