The Heartwarming Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting an authentic old-fashioned goulash recipe brings warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Hungarian culinary traditions shine through this hearty meal packed with robust flavors.

Tender meat chunks simmer slowly, developing rich, complex tastes that comfort and satisfy.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down secrets from grandmother to granddaughter.

Paprika plays a starring role, infusing each bite with deep, rustic character.

Memories of cozy family dinners emerge with every spoonful of this traditional stew.

Prepare to experience a delicious journey through central European comfort cooking that will transport you straight to budapest’s charming streets.

Old Fashioned Goulash Must-Knows

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this goulash a breeze to prepare, even for novice cooks.
• Adaptable recipe allows quick modifications like adding different vegetables or cheese toppings to suit personal tastes.
• Affordable ingredients combined with generous servings create an economical meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

What You’ll Need for Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the goulash.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds comforting texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that create a robust base for the sauce and add moisture to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A flavor-packed trio that builds a deep and savory foundation for the goulash.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Ingredients that create a rich, flavorful liquid base for the goulash.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.

• Paprika, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the traditional goulash flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: A creamy and sharp cheese that can be sprinkled on top for extra richness.

Steps to Make Classic Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Break up the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks to ensure thorough browning.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they 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

• Paprika
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

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

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.

Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and submerged.

Continue simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, clingy consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

The residual heat will help melt the cheese slightly.

Serve piping hot, accompanied by a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Goulash

• Remove as much grease as possible after browning beef to prevent a greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Use sweet or smoked paprika for an authentic Hungarian touch that enhances the goulash's rich, complex taste profile.
• Slightly undercook macaroni before adding to the sauce, as it will continue absorbing liquid and soften during final simmering.
• Let hot goulash rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and distribute evenly across the dish.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for deeper, more developed flavors.

How to Save and Reheat Goulash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour goulash into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Sides to Serve with Old Fashioned Goulash

• Taste-Boosting Wine Selection: Pair this hearty goulash with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot, which complements the rich beef flavors and cuts through the tomato's acidity.
• Refreshing Beer Companion: Choose a crisp lager or amber ale that balances the dish's robust profile, providing a clean, refreshing contrast to the meaty, saucy goulash.
• Bread Sidekick Strategy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural variety and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Quick Salad Freshness: Prepare a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to bring brightness and cut through the goulash's richness, creating a well-rounded meal.

New Takes on Traditional Goulash

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add hot paprika, diced jalapeños, and extra red pepper flakes to create a more authentic and fiery goulash experience.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic goulash taste intact.

FAQs

• Is this a traditional Hungarian goulash?

No, this is an American-style goulash that’s a hearty one-pot meal. It differs from authentic Hungarian goulash, which is more of a soup with chunks of beef and fewer pasta ingredients.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne. Just ensure the pasta size is similar to maintain the right texture.

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

Use less expensive ground beef like 80/20 or even ground turkey. Canned tomatoes and pantry spices help keep costs down. This dish is already an economical meal that feeds multiple people.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings, cheesy option, and pasta make this a crowd-pleaser for children. The simple ingredients and comfort food style appeal to most kids.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Rich Hungarian Goulash beckons with hearty beef, paprika-infused broth, and tender vegetables simmering in a classic comfort dish. Warm, rustic flavors promise a satisfying meal that connects you directly to traditional Central European cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, carefully draining excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, savory base for the goulash.
4. Enhance the mixture with classic herbs: paprika, oregano, and basil, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the depth of flavor.
5. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer, developing complexity for about 10-12 minutes.
6. Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution throughout the sauce.
7. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until macaroni becomes tender and sauce thickens, roughly 15-18 minutes.
8. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of creamy richness before serving hot.
9. Complement the goulash with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner dish.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or shells to add textural variety and visual interest.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or using cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 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: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg