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

Memories of my grandmother’s classic hungarian goulash always transport me to cozy winter evenings.

Robust flavors dance across tender meat chunks simmering in rich paprika-infused broth.

Hearty comfort defines this traditional one-pot meal passed through generations.

Authentic ingredients tell stories of countryside kitchens where slow cooking reigns supreme.

Simple spices and slow simmering create magic in this timeless recipe.

Succulent beef transforms into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with careful preparation.

Warm up your kitchen and soul with this soul-satisfying culinary treasure.

What Makes Old-Fashioned Goulash So Good

Savor Comfort Cooking: Unpack the Delights of This Goulash

• Create Family Memories: Gather loved ones around this hearty dish that sparks conversation and brings everyone together with its rich, homestyle flavors.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Navigate the recipe with ease, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal prep work that even novice cooks can confidently execute.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Adapt ingredients to suit personal tastes, swap cheeses, or add extra spices to make this classic goulash uniquely yours.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the classic goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: A traditional pasta shape that captures the sauce perfectly and adds comforting texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients create a robust and fragrant foundation for the goulash, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy and savory condiment that brings a unique umami flavor to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These tomato products create a rich, slightly acidic base that helps bind the ingredients and provides a classic goulash flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These spices and herbs add essential seasoning, balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the goulash.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that adds creamy richness and a golden color to the finished dish.

Steps to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab your large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook for slightly less time than the package suggests. Once done, drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over high temperature. Add ground beef and chopped onions.

Break up the meat as it cooks, creating small crumbles. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes until the beef turns a rich brown color.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Enhance with Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the meat mixture.

Stir and cook for roughly 1 minute until the kitchen fills with a delicious aromatic fragrance.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes

Mix everything thoroughly to create a robust sauce base.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Fold the cooked macaroni into the skillet.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly in the preheated oven.

Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges become bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of this classic goulash.

Helpful Tips for Old-Fashioned Goulash Success

• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove extra grease, ensuring a lighter, less oily goulash.
• Cook macaroni 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture when baking.
• Add a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the traditional goulash depth.
• Mix cheddar with monterey jack or add parmesan for a more complex and creamy cheese profile.
• Prepare extra goulash and store in airtight containers for convenient, quick weeknight dinners up to 3 months ahead.

Different Ways to Enjoy Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Goulash: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie-Packed Goulash: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a vegetarian option.
• Smoky Bacon Goulash: Mix in crispy bacon bits, use smoked cheddar cheese, and add a dash of smoked paprika for a rich, robust flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Robust Red Wine Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose rich tannins cut through the meaty, cheesy flavors and complement the dish's robust profile.
• Zesty Beer Match: Choose a crisp amber ale or a malty German-style lager that can stand up to the goulash's deep, savory notes while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy, tomato-based sauce.
• Tangy Side Salad Boost: Create a bright mixed green salad with a sharp vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the goulash, adding a light, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Keeping Old-Fashioned Goulash Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

This American-style goulash is a one-pot comfort food that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese, unlike the traditional Hungarian version which is more of a beef stew with paprika and served without pasta.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat to maintain the dish’s flavor and texture.

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

Use less expensive cuts of ground beef, buy cheese on sale, and look for discounted canned tomatoes. Generic brand ingredients can help reduce the overall cost without compromising taste.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian goulash delivers comfort in a single pot, blending rich beef, paprika-spiced broth, and tender vegetables. Slow-simmered tradition brings warmth to your table, inviting you to savor classic flavors passed down through generations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) cans petite diced tomatoes

Flavor Enhancers:

• 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

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a warm environment for the goulash.
2. Boil water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni approximately 3 minutes less than package directions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture. Thoroughly drain pasta.
3. Heat a large skillet over high temperature, combining ground beef and onions. Vigorously break down beef while cooking for 6-7 minutes until deeply browned, then carefully eliminate excess grease.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for roughly 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
5. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, stirring comprehensively to create a rich, cohesive mixture.
6. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Gently fold in cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the dish becomes bubbling hot and cheese melts completely into a golden, appetizing surface.

Notes

• Cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent mushiness during baking, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Thoroughly drain beef to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting and better texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version, or use ground turkey for leaner protein alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg