Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting an old fashioned goulash recipe brings warmth and nostalgia straight to your kitchen table.

Memories of hearty meals emerge with each stirring of this classic Hungarian dish.

Robust flavors dance through tender meat and rich, paprika-infused sauce.

Generations have savored this comforting meal passed down through family traditions.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular and deeply satisfying.

Hungry souls will find solace in every delicious, steaming spoonful of this timeless culinary treasure.

Cook with passion and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Discover the Rich, Comforting Flavors of Old Fashioned Goulash

• Comfort Food Champion: This goulash delivers pure nostalgia with its hearty blend of tender beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce that hugs your taste buds like a warm embrace.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this one-pot wonder in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the classic flavors and cheesy goodness, creating a meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table with smiles.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and basic pantry spices, this recipe stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Key Ingredients That Bring Old Fashioned Goulash to Life

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a deep, savory foundation for the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly sweet base that adds moisture and depth to the goulash.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami taste that elevates the overall dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that contribute warmth, earthiness, and balanced seasoning.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the sauce and adds hearty substance.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that melts into a creamy, sharp layer of deliciousness.

Follow This Detailed Guide to Make Classic Goulash Perfectly

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a big pot and start cooking ground beef over medium heat. Sizzle and stir until the meat turns a nice golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance around the pot, becoming soft and fragrant. Their aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to blend all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Pour in elbow macaroni and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let everything bubble gently for about 15 minutes.

The pasta will become perfectly tender and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese.

Watch it melt and create a creamy, dreamy finish that makes this goulash irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and get ready for a comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Enjoy every delicious bite!

Expert Tips to Master the Authentic Taste of Goulash

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the classic goulash.
• For deeper flavor, sauté onions and garlic until they caramelize slightly before adding other ingredients.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the goulash.

Creative Ways to Add Your Own Twist to Traditional Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Hungarian Remix: Add hot paprika, diced jalapeños, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and authentic flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean twist.

Perfect Pairings to Complement Your Hearty Goulash Meal

• Comfort Corner Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich, meaty dish.
• Cheesy Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Family-Style Feast: Dish out in large, rustic bowls and let everyone sprinkle additional shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley on top for personalized flair.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors, then reheat for an even more delicious next-day lunch that tastes even better than the first serving.

How to Keep Your Old Fashioned Goulash Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store goulash in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time accurately.

FAQs

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

This American-style goulash is a hearty one-pot meal that uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, unlike the traditional Hungarian version which is more of a beef stew with no pasta.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese makes this a comfort food that children typically love. The mild seasonings are also appealing to young palates.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value without changing the core flavor profile of the dish.

Easy Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian goulash recipe brings robust flavors from Central European kitchens. Comforting beef stew simmered with paprika and vegetables offers warm, satisfying nourishment you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) elbow macaroni

Optional:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains. Discard accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings including Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly.
4. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then introduce elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and cook approximately 12-15 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
5. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring until cheese melts completely and integrates into the goulash.
6. Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
7. Serve piping hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the classic dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg