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Old Fashioned Goulash is a deliciously simple recipe with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. You may have eaten this retro Goulash recipe as a kid. It is an easy weeknight dinner to make, and very kid friendly!
Old Fashioned Goulash
When it comes to retro comfort food recipes, Goulash is one of my top 5 favorites!
This simple one-pot, stove top soup/casserole made of essentially meat, tomatoes and noodles just manages to hit the spot.
As a kid I looked forward to when mom made this goulash recipe.
What It Goulash?
Goulash is essentially a soup made with meat and vegetables, and is usually seasoned with paprika as well as other spices.
It originated in Hungary hundreds of years ago. Goulash is one of the official national dishes of Hungary and is even a symbol of that country.
So that is the official definition, but here in America, this iconic recipe took a turn...
Moms in the USA used what they had on hand, that is why Goulash is very economical. Ground beef, pasta, and tomatoes became the 3 main ingredients.
You can stretch this recipe to feed a large family just by adding a bit more of certain ingredients like meat, pasta, and water/broth.
Old Fashioned Goulash is easy to make. Here are the steps:
Even though goulash is considered a soup by most people, I prefer it thicker, more like a pasta dish.
If you like yours more like a soup, you can simply increase the beef broth by 1 cup or so.
What does Goulash Taste Like?
To me it tastes a lot like spaghetti. There is paprika in it, which does change the taste a little.
Also, I like the texture of goulash more than spaghetti because of the noodle to meat ratio and shape of the macaroni.
Its consistency is more like a casserole, but you can add extra liquid to make it the soup it is known to be..
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If you make this wonderful retro goulash recipe, please leave a comment with a star rating below. I'd love to know how you liked it!
Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulashis a deliciously simple recipe with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. You may have eaten this retro Goulash recipe as a kid.
4.94 from 129 votes
Print Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy goulash recipe, goulash recipe, one-pot-goulash
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 522kcal
Author: Sandy Clifton
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 large cloves Garlic, pressed or finely minced
- 2 large Bay Leaves
- 1 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth* (chicken broth if using ground turkey)
- 2 - 14.5-ounce cans Diced Tomatoes with juice, or stewed tomatoes
- 2 - 15-ounce cans Tomato Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (such as Johnny's®)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 2 cups Uncooked Small Elbow Macaroni
Instructions
Heat a dutch oven or soup pot on med-high heat. When it is hot, add the oil, then add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. About 10 minutes. Spoon off some of the excess fat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, soy sauce, seasoned salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the macaroni noodles (uncooked), cover and cook for 15-25 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.
Remove and discard bay leaves, then serve.
Notes
*If you like your goulash more like a soup, you can simply increase the beef broth by 1 cup or so.
Nutrition
Calories: 522kcal
Resources to Make this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe and More
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Reader Interactions
Comments
thomas reed says
Love this recipe I have made it before my family eats it.Reply
Tammy says
Thank you for this recipe! My mom made something very similar. She added kidney beans. Growing up, meat was lean. It had ground beef, but not as much. The beans added protein.Reply
Ilona Helgeson says
This is a very hearty meal!! Have made it twice now… absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing😏Reply
Shannon Jones says
Can I add some green bell peppers?
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Sandy says
Sure! This is a versatile recipe.
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Cathy says
This was so good. Better than moms.
I was wondering if I can freeze the leftovers?Reply
Sandy says
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Let cool, and use an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Reply
Janell Adams Dailey says
My Mother made goulash all the time when I was growing up. Smelling this recipe cooking in my kitchen takes me back to another place and time. Hubby loves it too! Great comfort food.Reply
Sandy says
Love this! It's all about the nostalgia.
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Sandra Holcomb says
The first time I made it I used ground sirloin tonight I’m use mild Italian ground sausageReply
Sandra Holcomb says
I made this omg so do good my brother in law loves it he’s used way his wife does itReply
Gerlinde says
Just made this soup, yummy.Reply
Justice says
Loved this recipe! Even my picky eaters loved it!Reply
Wendy says
I make this for myself , my daughter and her family. I did twick your recipe a little. I left out the bay leaves because my family doesn’t like them and I added twice the garlic and a little more black pepper. Thank you for this easy, great recipe. We will be making it againReply
Judy says
Deliciouso, I added a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity. I also used ditalini macaroni. I can’t wait to have more, yumReply
Cynthia Atencio says
I love this recipe!!! I did make substitutions because I have a picky eater. No onions or garlic, I used 1 tsp onion powder and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. I also added one can Cambells Cheddar cheese soup and half a can of milk. I cook my macaroni Al dente and when I add the macaroni, I allow it to come to a soft boil then I turn off the heat and let the noodles soak up the sauce. OMG it’s sooo delicious 😋Reply
Janis Potter says
I'm 75 yo and this recipe was as close to what my mother used to make in the '50's as anything could be! It's a keeper fo me!Reply
Sandy says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Reply
Brandi says
If one serving is just over 500cal, how are you measuring that? Is it one cup?
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Sandy says
It's about 1.5 cups. The calories will vary, based on the fat content of the meat you use. With 90% lean ground beef, the calories will be closer to 444.
Reply
Tonya says
Very good , it's perfect for our lunch at workReply
ES says
This recipe was perfect!! Whole family loved it!! I did add a tsp of sugar and that was it. Thank you so much❤️Reply
Kim says
Great recipe! Very flavorful! Btw paprika is not spicy.Reply
Sandy says
Thank you! I actually have purchased a hot paprika. A reader once used hot paprika in this recipe and got mad at me. So I made sure to specify!
Reply
Sandy Averett says
Yes absolutely loved it, used smoked paprika, more broth, no tomato sauce so used hunts meat spaghetti sauce dash cayenne pepper so yummy
Thank youReply
Keith White says
I have made this several times. Only I subbed a can of tomatoes for a 16 oz jar for medium salsa, and added I small can of green chilies 4oz and a small can of diced jalapeños 4 oz! Excellent! ❤️Reply
Teresa says
Made this for dinner. Very good. Cut the recipe in half, but added more beef broth when the noodles we cooking to ensure they cooked properly. Pretty easy to make.Reply
Cindy B says
One of our favorites. It’s quick easy and oh so good!Reply
Judy says
My mom always made this for us kids. As I grew older I would make it for my family. It is one of my husbands favorites. I like it because it is a simple dish and you can basically add anything as long as the main ingredients are ground beef tomatoes and noodles.Reply
Randi says
Does anyone remember goulash having whole cloves in it?
I remember my mom serving it this way. If so and if you have a recipe could you share it ?Reply
Sandy says
I have not heard of that. Could be good!
Reply
Jan says
My Mom made this for us kids. I started making it again, after finding this recipe, at my husband's request. Perfect comfort food on a rainy, cold day.Reply
Jaime says
Pretty good recipe. My husband loves goulash so I wanted to try making it for him. He liked it but I thought it was too spicy. A whole tablespoon of paprica is WAY too much. If I make it again I'll use a teaspoon of paprica or leave it out. I'll also put the macaroni in sooner since it didn't seem cooked enough. And I want to add bell pepper too.
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Sandy says
Don't use hot paprika, use sweet.
Reply
Jeff d says
Maybe your husband should make it next time,lol.Reply
Lisa B says
Fantastic!!! My family loved it!Reply
Chuck says
Loved it. Didn’t change anything.Reply
Katrina says
Loved this! I made it with a table spoon of condensed bone broth, without adding the liquid and then I used pizza sauce instead of tomato sauce because that’s all I had, so I didn’t add the Italian seasoning and it was PERFECT!Adding this to our easy favorite recipes to make in a hunch!
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Kelli says
First time making goulash, I did add diced carrots & celery just because I needed to get rid of them. I also increased my beef broth because I’m using corkscrew noodles instead of elbow. I added a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce & smoked paprika, So far smells & tastes delicious. I like all the other ideas, seems like a very versatile dish. Thanks!Reply
Darcy says
Well done …Wonderful quick recipe I will keep this in biweekly rotation
Thank you for sharing
DarcyReply
Lynette Jacobi says
Best goulash ever! Sorry, mom...Reply
Sandy says
Lol!
Reply
Triplet Mama says
Delicious! There is so much flavor.Reply
Zacharia says
Ran across your recipe probably a year or better ago and decided to try it because my grandmother used to make something similar..needless to say it’s a staple in my household now..the crew loved itReply
Marilyn Kolar says
Absolutely delicious! Brings back memories and a keeper! Thank you!Reply
Lori says
We called this American Chop Suey...very good recipe. Made it exactly as written. Same as my mom made it.Reply
Connie Doucette says
Easy to make and delicious.Reply
Glen says
I love this recipe. Of course I’ve adjusted it to suit our tastes but consistently comes out great
I cut the elbow macaroni portion in half to make the consistency just rightThank you !
Reply
lisa k Menko says
Amazing recipe! The only ingredient i added was shredded cheese and sour cream on the side. My family loved it!Reply
Emily says
This is probably the best, most flavorful goulash recipe I've had. I did 1 pound beef and 1 lb mild Italian sausage and stirred in shredded cheese at the end, added a few jalapenos on top and omg! Absolutely delish! Thank u!Reply
Nina says
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe!Reply
Debbie says
This recipe is amazingReply
Carole says
My husband loves it so much. He asked me to make it again the next day, I add small dice carrotsReply
Joan says
The way my mother mad it .love it but I remember green peppers in itReply
Deanna says
I sometimes switch it up and use egg noodles and add ricotta with mozzarella. Stove top Lasagna
So Good taste even better the next day if theirs any leftovers ❤️Reply
Sydney says
I love love love this recipe. I have made it like 5 times, and its so tasty. I am going to make it tonight for dinner, even though it is 100 degrees today because I'm craving it! I really don't leave reviews often, but figured this was worthy of one! Thanks for a great and comforting dish!Reply
Donna says
Where’s the frozen peas? From Michigan. Always added peas toward the end of cooking.Reply
Sandy says
My mom didn't add them, but you certainly can!
Reply
Rose Ann says
I loved this recipe but I didn't have tomato sauce so I used tomato soup and stewed tomatoes. Tasted good loved itReply
Kristina Rodriguez says
Added chopped green pepper and it tastes just like my dad's. He passed before I was old enough to have to cook for myself and learn the recipe. Great and enough for left overs/lunches the next day.Reply
Sandy says
Sorry about your dad. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Reply
Jessica Shipley says
Comfort food at its finest!
This recipe is on regular rotation in our home as it is requested often. No need to change a thing this recipe is perfect as it is.Reply
Scarlett says
What the heck! This is so good. We added a can of 28oz crushed tomatoes (drained) then squished them for some extra umph also subbed smoked paprika and added 1sp of cayenne. Oh! Half and half of ground hot Sausage and beef. We like the spice. It’s perfect and plan on freezing leftovers. Like grandma makes 🙂Reply
Barbara says
Loved this! I halved the recipe because I only had an 8oz box of elbow macaroni. I used 1 can of italian diced tomatoes and added 1 chopped zucchini. I also used the full 1 cup of broth because I knew the liquid would be needed to cook the pasta. I cooked the pasta step for 15 minutes and it was perfectly al dente', not mushy at all. Before serving I stirred in about a cup of sour cream which added a subtle creamy texture that I really like. This recipe is definitely a keeper!Reply
Krystal says
I regret adding the paprika. Ilfor me 1 tbs was too much. I think next time I'll leave it out. My daughter wouldn't eat it. Otherwise it's great.Reply
Sandy says
What kind of paprika did you use? It should not have made this taste strong or hot unless you have a hot paprika.
Reply
Lori says
That's what I was going to say. Paprika really doesn't make a difference
Jaime says
I agree. A tablespoon of paprika is WAY too much. I don't like spicy foods anyway.
Reply
See AlsoOld Fashioned co*cktail RecipeSandy says
If using regular sweet paprika, there shouldn't be a spicy flavor at all. Only with hot paprika. Don't use hot!
Sharon says
What can I make with the left overs? It was delicious.Reply
Sandy says
I'm not sure what you could make with the leftovers... Maybe add some super softened cream cheese?
Reply
Jennyjennybobenny says
Add mashed potatoes on top and make shepherds pieBobStafford says
Add chilli to make chille mac
Sandy says
Yummy!
Terry B. says
Absolutely fantastic! My problem is typically finding a recipe I can cut in half. Being empty nesters it’s hard to cook for two. Now that the kids are gone I don’t care to make a full recipe. This one was a game changer! I’ll keep this one handy. Today was cold & windy and a prefect day for goulash.Reply
Jessica says
This was delicious!! I like to use canned stewed tomatoes and also add some Velveeta cheese at the end. Helps my husband forget about the chunks of tomatoes 😉Reply
Beth says
This is absolutely delicious! I have made a version of goulash for years, but never followed a recipe. I’m so glad I found this. YumReply
Barbara says
I have made goulash similar to this recipe. Difference is i do NOT like the taste bay leaf gives food so that is out. I have also added a can of corn to mine, as I saw it done at our favorite dining joint one time. Corn didn't add much flavor just texture and color. I love this kind of meal made to be eaten with a fork.Reply
Tracy Scott says
Awesome recipe. Kids favorite!Reply
Kimberly says
Just like what my mom would make.Reply
Lea says
So good!Reply
Sharon Seiber says
I was craving goulash and had not made it in long time due to one of my sons having a tomato allergy. So I made it and made him something different. I am looking forward to eating goulash for Supper! This recipe is like mine so am going to really enjoy it! I have already been snacking on it and it's delicious!Reply
Gary B. says
This turned out pretty good. I cut the recipe in half but it made enough for a couple of meals.Reply
Joyce says
Goulash was awesome. Great flavor. Thank you for the recipe.Reply
Jackie Kevin Gaines says
GoodReply
Marlena Wyatt says
I have made this for many years. Back when my kids were young, 40+ years they wouldn't go for 'goulash' so I called it cowboy food. They fell for it and are still eating it. I add garlic bread with it.Reply
Beth says
Halved the recipe and used ground turkey, otherwise followed the recipe with no changes, my husband and I loved it!Reply
CAROL G NYE says
This the way I have made goulash, for years!!
Reply
Michelle G says
I made it for a bunch of men after their meeting at local VFW. I made it just like yours and it was really good. I was told that next time I need a double batch. They wiped me out. Recommend using a crockpot bag for easy cleaning... ThanksReply
Carolyn Haak says
Very good. Reminds me of home. We add zucchini to it.Reply
Sarah says
I own a bakery/homemade meals kitchen and my customers LOVE this recipe! Thank you!!
SARAH'NDIPITY Eats & TreatsReply
Jeannette says
This was so good! I made it with sweet sausage because the store didn’t have hamburg (I went shopping in the late afternoon, that might be why or they restocked after I left?!) . I didn’t add any of the seasonings or the soy sauce. I am going to keep this recipe for when I have to take someone a meal and for church potlucks. Thank you for this recipe! 😊😊Reply
Krissy says
Is had been craving goulash since I saw it in a store. Set out to find a recipe and and chose this one and made this for the first time today. All I did different was add 1 large green pepper and followed the recipe! It was delicious and rich in flavor and just what I imagined it would taste like. Thanks for sharing. Will be making again.Reply
DNS says
Awesome recipe! So simple but sooo good! A family favoriteReply
Shari Olson says
Very good recipe!Reply
Crystal Adkins says
I made this tonight I added corn tho. It was very good, next time I think I will add some kidney beans or pinto.Reply
Paul says
Definitely a keeper.Reply
Bregitta says
Made this for a church potluck and it was a huge hit. Everyone said it brought many memories of their mother’s cooking a version of this while growing up. Thank you so much for a trip down memory lane.Reply
Glyna M Burton says
I love to find recipes that " take me back to childhood days and Grandma". This definitely does that!Reply
Karen Johnson says
It reminded me of my childhood days. Husband loved it. Having biscuits with it. Yum!!!Reply
Teresa Fontenot says
This goulash was so good ! It was easy to make and everyone loved it !Reply
Kimberly Nelson says
I liked the ingredients in your recipe i just added some vegetables to it my mother used to add them...I loved the beef broth though hadn't ever used that or soy sauce, but it was delicious 😋 thank you.Reply
Lisa says
Delicious! I used fire roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika, & a touch of cayenne. I cut the recipe in 1/2 because there is only 2 of us. There was plenty for us to eat 2 meals with the recipe cut in 1/2.Reply
Elane says
I made this last night!!!! I followed the recipe exactly….except for the bay leafs only because I didn’t have any. And it was absolutely wonderful. I will definitely be making againReply
Kathleen M says
Very good reminds me of mama's...only difference she added corn!Reply
CTGirl717 says
We really liked it! Left out the tomatoes simply because I didn't have any and added a bit of broth at the end to give the noodles a little more liquid to cook. Very flavorful and easy to make. Even my picky girls liked it!Reply
CTGirl717 says
Forgot to rate it in my original post!Reply
Annie Lee Pearce says
I made this recipe for my family today.It was delicious. We had 5 daughters and I made it a lot when they were young. My one daughter said she didn’t remember it being so good. I will be making it again soon. We all loved it.Reply
Ellen Puckett says
I ate at home.i can not wait to have it again.Reply
Glen Turton says
This is always a treat to make. Never ceases to please one and all
I add a little spice for heat and only one cup of elbow macaroni instead of 2 and 2 cups of broth not oneReply
Patty King says
I made this last night and every one in my house loved it. The only changed I made was using smoked paprika which gave it a smokey flavor.Reply
Toni Schmitz says
This is an excellent dish that my family ate for years while I was growing up. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before eating. You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked. It doesn’t make that much of a difference. My mother always added a can of kidneys beans. I use the light red kidney beans but dark or light is fine. If kidney beans bother your stomach just use navy bean or pinto bean. Those are easier on the stomach. This is definitely a 5 star dish and a awesome comfort food dish.Reply
Lisa Maraszek says
YES!! always removing the bay leaves!! Very important. Talk about comfort food!!
Lisa E. says
Yes! Finally someone else adds kidney beans! I've always made it that way. because that's how my mama made it 😊
Peter Wojcik says
Very good!Reply
Barb says
My family LOVED it😋Reply
Melinda Taylor says
I've made this before and it was great! Making it again now.Reply
Don says
A little starchy will cook and drain pasta separatelyReply
mikey says
pasta taste better cooked in same pot absorbs tomato flavor....IMHo betterReply
Ellen says
I use to make it 50 yrs ago and forgot how ty very goodReply
Kimberly Bowen says
Made tonight with ground venison burger. Added small diced celery for a little more texture, and sauteed it down with the onion when added. Also added some chili powder and cayenne powder for a little more tangy depth, but this is a GREAT RECIPE!Reply
Ana says
So yummy!!!Reply
Pat Black says
This is thr first I have tried this recipe and it is delicious.Reply
Dorene says
Didn’t have any idea what was for dinner tonight. I saw a box of elbow macaroni in the pantry and thought goulash!! I stumbled upon this recipe, had all the ingredients and WOW, it was easy and delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing, it is now in my meal rotation ♥️♥️♥️Reply
Jacque Peach says
This is the best goulash recipe that I have found. I never really liked it until I found your recipe. I have made this several times already.Reply
Dawn says
I made in my Crockpot multi cooker/steamer.... it was fantastic next time only cook noodles 10 to 15 minutes.Reply
Glen Turton says
I’ve made this a 1/2 dz times already in the last two months. Lol, yes I tweaked it but gosh the simple ease and incredible flavor comes from the core recipe.
Make it and thank yourself later.Glen Turton
Reply
Kay Rosd says
Made this tonight and it was wonderful. We are going t have the leftovers tomorrow. Very easy, fast, and no strange ingredients. Thanks, for posting, it's a keeper!Reply
Sara Roberts says
Just made this again and it never disappoints! Everyone in the family loves it! It thickened up nicely and I love that! Added cheese and wallah! Delicious! Great recipe!Reply
Glen Turton says
Love this recipe. I have made a couple of tweaks to my taste as follows :
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (Kroger)
I add one small can of Rotel diced chili’s (mild)
Only one (1) cup of elbow macaroni , I prefer a tad more liquid than the result you get with 2 cups of elbow macaroni
Italian seasonings 1 tbs
A dusting of Slap yo Mama seasoning instead of seasoned salt
It’s so easy to make and incredibly delicious
Oh yeah I use ground turkey instead of beef, far less grease.
Any questions you can email me at thehatguy7@aol.com
I’ll do my best to help or answer questionsGlen Turton
Reply
Teresa Boyd says
Love this recipe,very filling and yummy, just add got rolls or cornbread muffins for a great cold weather mealReply
Carol Jeney says
This is a version of my mom’s back in the day! She added green peppers and a little Worcestershire instead of soy sauce.
It’s a great recipe!! Kudos!
I always laugh when I rarely make it because my husband is from Hungary where we’ve obviously had authentic Gulyas Leves soup. Almost more like stew w/o carrots. And of course green peppers and Lesco -onions and Paprika powder stewing in oil.Reply
Joseph says
It tastes like my mom's. We enjoyed it.Reply
Cheryl says
My family loved it!Reply
Lauren Freeze says
Love the recipe!Reply
Kathy says
I think next time I will leave out the bay leaf. Otherwise it was pretty good.Reply
Gerianne says
So yummy! We stuffed ourselves unconscious.
Thank you!Reply
Linda says
This is the first recipe of goulosh that looks like what my family makes. I thought maybe it was a regional thing; were from northern Ky. Anyway it was grest to see And I know its great. Only difference is we use a lot of diced green pepper also. Thanks for sharing. I like it thick also.Reply
Deanna says
My husband and I thought this was a bit too salty. I will just adjust it next time..Reply
Carla says
Used ground venison . Excellent flavor. Great cold weather comfort food.Reply
Vicki Pitts says
It turned out perfect. Tasted just like my granny’s.Reply
Chloe Morgan says
Yummy recipe! I added cheese and ate on it for a week!Reply
RJ Foster says
Best goulash I've ever had! I will be making this happen n a regular basis. Thanks for sharing!!Reply
RJ Foster says
Just made for the first time. Absolutely delish!! Will definitely keep this in the regular rotation 😉😉Reply
Carolyn says
TASTY!!! Will make again. Thank you for sharing.Reply
Cynthia Green says
Excellent as written. Appreciated the simple ess of the website. Thank youReply
Patricia Pierse says
Simmering the sauce now. Can't wait to try the finished recipe but the sauce is awesome.Reply
Karon graf says
Husband love it...thanks!Reply
Josh says
I did not have 100% of the ingredients but this dish was amazing! Will definitely make again! Thanks for sharing A+++++Reply
Joe says
Just made this tonight and it tasted awesomeReply
Harley says
Little bit extra pepper taste. But it was GREATReply
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
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