Hearty Hungarian Goulash Recipe: A Bowlful of Comfort

Hearty beef goulash has been warming European tables for generations, bringing comfort through its rich, paprika-infused broth.

This classic Hungarian goulash recipe brings together tender chunks of meat and robust spices in a symphony of flavors.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the stew develops deep, complex notes that dance across your palate.

Regional variations add unique twists to this beloved dish, each telling a story of culinary tradition.

The blend of beef, onions, and paprika creates a soul-satisfying meal that connects you to Central European cuisine.

Packed with warmth and nostalgia, this goulash promises a delicious journey through rustic, time-honored cooking techniques.

Each spoonful invites you to savor a taste of Hungarian culinary heritage.

What Makes This Goulash the Best

• One-Pot Dish: Prepare this goulash in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making it an ideal weeknight meal for families looking to minimize dishes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, cheesy goodness, and classic seasonings, this goulash delivers ultimate comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dish: Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting seasonings or adding extra vegetables, making it a flexible recipe for various taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients You Need for Goulash

• Ground Beef: Juicy protein that brings rich flavor to the dish.
• Macaroni: Classic pasta that makes this comfort food hearty and satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully.

• Onions, Garlic: Flavorful base that adds depth to the goulash.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Worcestershire Sauce, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Tangy and savory components that create a delicious sauce and enhance overall taste.

Cooking Steps for Classic Goulash

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Boil and Prepare Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the macaroni and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.

Drain the pasta completely.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Onions

Grab a large skillet and crank the heat to high.

Add ground beef and chopped onions to the pan.

Break the beef into crumbly pieces while cooking for 6-7 minutes until it develops a beautiful brown color.

Drain off any excess fat.

Step 4: Wake Up the Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook until its aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Base

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Season with Flair

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Fold in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese.

If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it directly into the preheated oven.

If not, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbling and the cheese has melted into gooey deliciousness.

Top Tips for Rich, Flavorful Goulash

• Boil macaroni 3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfect al dente bite in your goulash.
• Remove all grease from browned ground beef to keep the dish from becoming overly oily and maintain a rich, clean flavor profile.
• Taste the mixture before adding cheese, allowing you to fine-tune salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a personalized flavor balance.
• Use a heat-safe skillet or transfer to a casserole dish to ensure even cheese melting and a golden, bubbly top during baking.
• Prepare the goulash in advance and refrigerate, letting flavors meld together for an even more delicious meal when you're ready to bake.

How to Save and Reheat Goulash

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour goulash into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy.

Pairing Ideas for Goulash

• Pair Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the hearty dish's richness.
• Serve Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with thinly sliced cucumbers, dill, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the goulash's heavy textures.
• Match Fresh Garlic Bread: Craft crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the goulash's savory sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Select Cold Beer Pairing: Grab a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale that will stand up to the robust meat and cheese, cleansing the palate between bites.

Goulash Recipe Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Goulash: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap macaroni with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Replace cheddar with vegan cheese shreds or omit cheese completely for a lighter version.

FAQs

• What makes goulash different from other pasta dishes?

Goulash is a hearty, one-pot meal originating from Hungary, featuring beef, tomatoes, and pasta with a rich, savory sauce that sets it apart from typical pasta casseroles.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean substitute that works well in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Goulash uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, canned tomatoes, and cheese, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen mixed vegetables during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor.

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian goulash warms souls with rich, tender beef simmered in paprika-spiced broth. Comfort meets tradition in this classic one-pot wonder that invites you to savor Central European culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 15 ounces (425 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 14.5 ounces (411 grams) cans petit diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a welcoming environment for this hearty Hungarian-inspired comfort dish by warming the oven to a steady 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Select a generously sized pot and create a rolling boil, then immerse macaroni, cooking it approximately 3 minutes shy of package recommendations. Carefully drain and set aside.
3. Position a spacious skillet over intense heat, introducing ground beef and diced onions simultaneously. Methodically fragment the meat while continuously stirring, allowing it to transform into a rich golden brown within 6-7 minutes.
4. Eliminate accumulated grease from the skillet, preserving the robust meat and onion foundation.
5. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for roughly one minute.
6. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce.
7. Enliven the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste critically and modulate seasonings to personal preference.
8. Gently fold cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the savory concoction.
9. Transfer the goulash either directly in the heat-safe skillet or into a prepared casserole dish, then slide into the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface becomes deliciously bubbly and cheese melts into a tempting golden blanket.

Notes

• Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring perfect texture in the final dish.
• Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herbs like smoked paprika or fresh thyme for a unique twist on traditional goulash.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and checking that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg