The Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe – A Family Favorite!

Beef simmering in a rich paprika-laced goulash recipe creates a symphony of flavors that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Hungarian culinary traditions shine through this robust stew packed with tender meat and deep, complex spices.

Generations have cherished this classic dish that speaks directly to comfort and satisfaction.

Aromatic onions caramelize slowly, building a foundation of incredible depth and warmth.

Tender chunks of beef melt into a velvety sauce that promises pure culinary pleasure.

Served over steaming egg noodles or crusty bread, this goulash transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this soul-satisfying classic that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Serving Up Old Fashioned Goulash

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a crisp green salad to balance its rich, meaty flavors. The fresh greens will add a light, refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices. These bread options are perfect for soaking up the delicious, savory sauce and adding an extra layer of texture to your meal.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or basil on top just before serving. These bright, aromatic herbs will elevate the dish's flavor profile and add a pop of color to your plate.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the goulash with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot. The wine's robust character will enhance the rich, meaty flavors of the dish and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

How To Store Old Fashioned Goulash

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm goulash in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the goulash into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach allows easy single-serving meals, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go options for busy weekdays. Use clear containers for quick meal identification.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Stuff In Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial base for the goulash, choose lean variety for healthier option.

• Onion, Garlic: Creates deep, savory foundation with robust and aromatic undertones, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Delivers tangy, vibrant base with authentic Mediterranean character, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and complexity to the overall dish, use low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary flavor profile, choose freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides classic texture and comfort food element, select good quality durum wheat pasta for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces rich, melty decadence, select sharp variety for more intense flavor.

• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright finishing touch, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Supplies For Old Fashioned Goulash

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking ground beef, sautéing onions, and simmering the entire goulash.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like broth, seasonings, and pasta.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and preparing any garnish like parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if grating fresh cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.

Making Old Fashioned Goulash Easy

• Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Toss ground beef into the pot and break it apart while cooking until it turns a rich brown color. Drain most of the fat, keeping just a touch behind.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the beef. Stir and cook until they become soft and release their amazing fragrance, about 2-3 minutes.

• Build the Flavor Base

Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything bubble gently together.

• Create the Pasta Magic

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir everything thoroughly. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta becomes tender and sauce thickens beautifully.

• Cheese Finale

If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and let it melt under the lid for 2-3 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scatter some fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

Tips For Old Fashioned Goulash Lovers

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the goulash a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight for an even more delicious meal.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: This goulash freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during the onion sautéing stage for increased vegetable content and flavor complexity.
• Spice It Up: For heat lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the goulash a spicy kick that elevates the traditional recipe.

Hearty Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hungarian Goulash, a hearty stew from Central Europe, blends tender beef with paprika-rich sauce. Rustic spices and slow-cooking techniques create a comforting meal that pulls you into Hungary’s culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (200 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it down into fine crumbles while browning. Drain excess fat, leaving a thin layer for depth of flavor.
2. Aromatic Base: Add onions and garlic to the browned beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant notes, creating a rich flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Infusion: Combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Integrate paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to blend all components into a harmonious sauce.
4. Pasta Integration: Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the pasta absorb the robust flavors.
5. Final Cooking Stage: Simmer the goulash, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches optimal tenderness and sauce thickens to a perfect consistency, approximately 15-18 minutes.
6. Cheese Finale: Incorporate half the cheddar cheese into the goulash, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top, creating a luxurious melted surface that adds creamy richness.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and cheese fully melt. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or a light salad.

Notes

• Meat Browning Mastery: Sear ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Fat Management Technique: Drain excess fat but keep a thin layer to preserve the rich, meaty taste without making the dish overly greasy.
• Pasta Cooking Precision: Submerge macaroni completely in sauce and avoid overcooking; monitor closely to achieve perfect al dente texture without turning mushy.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Add cheese in two stages – first folding half into the goulash for creaminess, then sprinkling remaining cheese on top for a beautiful melted finish that enhances visual appeal and taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg