The Coziest Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for Comfort Meals

Hungarian goulash weaves a comforting tale of hearty flavors passed through generations.

Grandmothers in budapest perfected this rustic stew using simple, robust ingredients.

Tender beef chunks simmer slowly with paprika-rich sauce, creating a soul-warming meal.

Peasant cooks originally crafted this dish as a practical one-pot wonder for laborers.

Aromatic spices dance through each bite, connecting you to central European culinary traditions.

Robust and unpretentious, this classic recipe promises a delicious journey into authentic Hungarian cuisine.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every spoonful of this timeless classic.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Classic With Homestyle Flavor

Savor Comfort in a Bowl: Discover the Magic of Old Fashioned Goulash

• Create One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking with a single pot that transforms ground meat, pasta, and robust seasonings into a hearty meal without multiple dish cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize this classic recipe by switching proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding favorite toppings like cheese or herbs to match your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delight everyone at the table with a crowd-pleasing dish that combines familiar ingredients kids love and satisfying flavors adults crave, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that deliver maximum flavor and minimal kitchen chaos.

Ingredients List For Old-Fashioned Goulash Dish

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Choose a lean protein that adds rich flavor and substantial texture to the goulash.

• Garlic, Onion: These ingredients provide a foundational savory base that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes create a robust and tangy sauce that coats the meat and pasta.
• Water, Beef Broth: These liquids help create the perfect consistency and add additional meaty flavor to the goulash.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Provides an umami boost and deepens the overall taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika: These herbs and spices contribute complex and warm flavor notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's taste.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and provides a comforting texture.

• Shredded Cheese, Fresh Parsley, Sour Cream: These toppings add extra flavor, freshness, and visual appeal to the goulash.

Stepwise Instructions For Authentic Old-Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Meat

Brown your chosen ground meat in a large pot over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking.

When the meat is no longer pink, add minced garlic and diced onions. Continue cooking until the onions become soft and translucent.

If needed, drain any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Water
• Beef broth
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Drop the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and absorb some of the liquid, creating a thick and saucy consistency.

Step 4: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the goulash and adjust the flavors. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to enhance the overall taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish the goulash into bowls while hot. For extra excitement, top with optional garnishes.

Tips To Perfect Old-Fashioned Goulash Every Time

• Brown the ground beef or turkey thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Stir the goulash frequently during simmering to ensure the elbow macaroni doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust water and broth quantities to achieve your preferred sauce consistency – some like it saucier, others prefer a thicker texture.
• Experiment with extra herbs like dried oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add complexity to the traditional goulash recipe.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for more developed flavors.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add extra paprika, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to increase heat and create a more authentic Hungarian flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, hearty essence of traditional goulash.

Pairings That Match Old-Fashioned Goulash Dishes

Elevate this hearty goulash with perfect pairings that enhance its rich flavors.

Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to balance the robust meat and tomato sauce, cutting through the dish’s richness with smooth tannins.

Prepare a tangy green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast against the goulash’s warm, dense textures.

Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a delightful crunch and helping to mop up every last bit of flavor from the bowl.

Best Storage Tips For Old-Fashioned Goulash Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place goulash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour goulash into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Is goulash originally from the United States?

The traditional goulash originated in Hungary, but this version is an American-style adaptation popular in home cooking.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like rotini or penne, which work well in this recipe.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This goulash reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Hungarian Goulash brings rustic comfort straight from Central European kitchens, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and robust vegetables. Home cooks savor this classic one-pot wonder that warms souls and satisfies deep hunger with its traditional, soul-warming flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) bell peppers, diced
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (600 milliliters) water
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, beef broth, and olive oil, stirring to create a robust base.
5. Incorporate soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, blending thoroughly.
6. Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Reduce heat to low and add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
8. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Check pasta tenderness and sauce consistency; the goulash should be thick and hearty.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, enhancing flavor profile with additional herbs or spices.
11. Ladle the goulash into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
• Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Consider draining excess grease thoroughly to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian adaptation that maintains rich taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg