The Best Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty Hungarian goulash brings warmth to cold evenings with its rich, comforting flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish in their kitchens.

Robust beef chunks slowly simmer in a paprika-infused broth that tells stories of traditional cooking.

Tender vegetables add depth and nutrition to each spoonful of this rustic meal.

Authentic spices dance through the pot, creating an aroma that fills every corner of your kitchen.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a soul-satisfying experience that connects you to hungarian culinary heritage.

Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to become your new weekend favorite.

Comfort Found in Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This goulash recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, one-pot wonder that comes together effortlessly.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, tomato-packed dish that's packed with familiar flavors everyone craves.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes makes this recipe a wallet-friendly option for feeding a hungry crowd.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: By cooking everything in a single pot, you'll minimize kitchen mess and save precious time on dishwashing after dinner.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: Classic meat base for hearty goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and traditional flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Creates rich, savory sauce.

• Macaroni: Traditional pasta that absorbs the goulash flavors.

• Bell Pepper: Provides fresh crunch and color.

• Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for traditional goulash taste.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parsley: Adds creamy topping and fresh herb finish.

Traditional Goulash Cooking Directions

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and brown the ground beef until it loses its pink color. Tilt the pot and drain away the excess grease, leaving behind only the meat.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to create a rich, hearty sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

• Uncooked macaroni
• Chopped bell peppers

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently. Cook for approximately 20 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Top the goulash with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort food that warms both body and soul.

Tips That Make Goulash Even Better

• Select Quality Beef: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for optimal flavor and texture without excessive grease.
• Drain Thoroughly: Use a colander and press down gently on the meat to remove maximum fat, preventing a greasy final dish.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the traditional goulash taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the hot goulash sit for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy consistency.

Storing Old-Fashioned Goulash Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer goulash to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Pour goulash into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and pasta remains tender.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Food Pairings

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the goulash. These wines have enough body and tannins to stand up to the beef and strong seasonings.
• Match Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread alongside the goulash. The bread's crispy texture and ability to soak up the savory sauce will enhance the overall dining experience.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's freshness will balance the hearty, warm goulash and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's dense flavors.
• Offer Cool Beverage: Pair with a chilled German-style pilsner or a light lager. These beers will cut through the richness of the goulash and provide a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the meal's intense taste profile.

Tasty Spins on Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Hungarian-Style Goulash: Increase paprika and add hot smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate kalamata olives, feta cheese, and use orzo pasta instead of macaroni. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and fresh basil for a Mediterranean touch.

FAQs

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

This American-style goulash is a one-pot comfort meal that uses ground beef, macaroni, and tomato-based sauce, unlike the traditional Hungarian version which is a beef stew with chunks of meat and more paprika.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Macaroni works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like rotini or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings, cheesy topping, and familiar ingredients make this goulash a great meal for children who enjoy hearty, simple dishes.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground beef cuts, buy pasta and canned tomatoes when they’re on sale, and use basic pantry spices to keep the cost down while maintaining great flavor.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort straight from Central European kitchens, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and slow-cooked vegetables into a soul-warming meal. Rustic simplicity beckons hungry diners to savor each spoonful of this classic culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1.5 cups (237 milliliters) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat a capacious skillet and crumble ground beef, rendering it thoroughly cooked and eliminating excess fat through careful draining.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, gently sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and rich beef broth into the mixture, creating a robust liquid base. Enhance flavors with paprika, oregano, seasoning salts, and ground black pepper.
4. Incorporate uncooked macaroni and vibrant bell peppers directly into the simmering sauce, allowing ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
5. Cover the skillet, reducing heat to low, and allow the goulash to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
6. Once cooking concludes, remove from heat and let the dish rest momentarily to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to intensify.
7. Garnish with sharp shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed presentation ready for serving.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the classic goulash.
• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace traditional macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg