The Best Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

My grandmother’s cherished old fashioned goulash recipe brings comfort straight from the heart of Hungarian kitchens.

Hearty aromas fill the room when this classic dish simmers slowly on the stove.

Generations have passed down these robust flavors, creating memories around warm, steaming plates.

Tender beef chunks mingle with soft pasta and rich tomato sauce, promising a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Paprika adds a gentle warmth that whispers of traditional cooking techniques.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your dinner table.

Old Fashioned Goulash – Cozy Nostalgic Comforts

• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like optional cheese or adjustable seasonings let home cooks personalize the dish to match their taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Familiar pasta and ground beef create a universally appealing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy, transforming dinnertime into a stress-free experience.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and canned tomatoes makes this recipe wallet-friendly while still providing a filling and nutritious meal.

Everything Needed For Hearty Goulash Cooking

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a robust and flavorful sauce that helps cook the pasta and adds moisture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex depth of flavor to the goulash.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and provides a comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: An optional ingredient that adds creamy richness and a sharp flavor when melted into the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the goulash.

Cooking Old Fashioned Goulash From Start To Finish

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Cook ground beef until it turns a rich brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the meat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef.

Cook and stir until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors into the meat.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

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

Stir everything together to create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked macaroni directly into the sauce.

Stir to coat the pasta.

Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make sure to check the pasta’s tenderness.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Finish

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, rich texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the hot goulash into bowls.

Serve immediately while warm and bubbling with delicious flavors.

Goulash Kitchen Tips For Robust, Rich Flavor

• Select 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier goulash without compromising flavor.
• Stir frequently and check macaroni at 10 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring perfectly al dente pasta that's not mushy.
• Add a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika for a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese, allowing residual warmth to melt it smoothly without causing separation or graininess.
• Make this goulash ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, as flavors continue to develop and improve over time.

Classic Goulash With Unique Modern Twists

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add hot paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of authentic Hungarian flavor.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap Italian seasoning with oregano, add kalamata olives, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

Serving Goulash For Family Gatherings And More

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish that adds rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Hearty Sidekick: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the robust meat and pasta dish.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh herb notes.
• Family Style Feast: Place the entire skillet directly on the table for a rustic, communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

How To Store Goulash To Keep It Tasty

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Old Fashioned Goulash?

Ground beef, macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, onions, and garlic form the core ingredients that create the classic flavor of this comforting dish.

• Is this recipe authentic Hungarian goulash?

This is an American-style goulash, which differs from traditional Hungarian goulash. The American version is more of a one-pot pasta and meat casserole, while Hungarian goulash is typically a beef stew with more authentic spices.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the goulash suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash elevates comfort food with rich, hearty flavors simmered to perfection. Robust beef, paprika-kissed sauce, and tender vegetables invite you to savor a classic Central European culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Tomato Base:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Pasta:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) elbow macaroni

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F, ensuring no pink remains and draining accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for robust flavor development.
4. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors and creating a harmonious sauce consistency.
5. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to prevent pasta from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
6. Cover skillet and reduce heat, cooking for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring, until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and absorbs surrounding liquid.
7. Optional: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted, creating a creamy, luxurious finish to the goulash.
8. Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that keeps the dish’s hearty texture.
• Adjust paprika and add red pepper flakes to create a mild or zesty version that suits individual heat preferences.
• Experiment with smoked gouda, pepper jack, or nutritional yeast for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance for deeper, richer flavors that develop overnight.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg