The Best Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

Simmering with rich, hearty flavors, this old fashioned goulash recipe brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Hungarian culinary traditions shine through every savory bite of this classic dish.

Tender beef chunks melt into a deeply seasoned sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this robust meal with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Paprika adds a warm, deep color and distinctive flavor that makes this goulash truly special.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this soul-warming recipe.

Grab a spoon and prepare for a delicious journey into traditional comfort food.

Old Fashioned Goulash That Warms the Soul Every Time

• Craft Crunchy Textures: Create an exciting sensory experience with crispy rice and tender salmon, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Prepare this restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques that make cooking enjoyable.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Pack your meal with protein-rich salmon, fresh vegetables, and balanced ingredients that provide essential nutrients for a wholesome dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe versatile for different dietary needs and taste preferences.

What You’ll Need to Make Classic Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of this classic goulash.
• Elbow Macaroni: A traditional pasta shape that provides a comforting base for the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich, creamy flavor to the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complexity and depth to the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy ingredients that create a rich, saucy base for the goulash.

How to Cook Old Fashioned Goulash Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil water in a large pot and toss in elbow macaroni.

Cook it for 3 minutes less than the package suggests for that ideal al dente texture. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Onions

Grab a big skillet and toss in ground beef and chopped onions. Crank the heat to high and break up the meat while cooking.

Sizzle for 6-7 minutes until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 4: Bring on the Flavor Boosters

• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Shake in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings to make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Cheese and Pasta Reunion

Fold in the cooked macaroni and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

If your skillet can handle the oven, slide it right in. If not, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese is melted into gooey deliciousness.

Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Goulash

• Remove macaroni from boiling water 3 minutes before package instructions to prevent mushy texture when baking.
• After browning ground beef, drain excess fat completely to keep goulash from becoming greasy and heavy.
• Sprinkle extra cheese on top during last 5 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust.
• Select ground beef with 85% lean meat to maintain flavor while reducing unnecessary fat content.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for deeper, more complex flavor profile without overwhelming heat.

Flavorful Variations That Give Old Fashioned Goulash a Twist

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Goulash: Add diced green chiles, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic goulash essence.

Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Old Fashioned Goulash

• Savor Hearty Red Wine Pairing: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complement the rich, meaty flavors of goulash, cutting through the cheese and enhancing the dish's deep, savory profile.
• Create Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the goulash's heaviness, adding freshness and providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy meal.
• Match Crusty Bread Side: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, offering an extra layer of texture and helping to mop up every last bit of the flavorful goulash.

Storing Old Fashioned Goulash to Keep It Tasty Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer goulash to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add splash of water if looking dry.
• Warm goulash in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is the origin of goulash?

Goulash originated in Hungary as a hearty beef stew cooked by shepherds, later evolving into various regional versions across Central Europe.

• Is this recipe traditional Hungarian goulash?

No, this is an American-style goulash that combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese, which differs from the authentic Hungarian version that’s more of a soup-like beef stew.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein substitute and will maintain similar flavor and texture in the recipe.

• How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

Add extra cheese, reduce any spicy seasonings, and involve children in stirring or measuring ingredients to make the cooking process fun and engaging.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Hungarian Goulash brings robust flavors of Central European comfort to your kitchen, combining tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and rustic charm. Savory one-pot magic delivers classic warmth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the goulash.
2. Partially cook macaroni in boiling water for 3 minutes less than package directions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 1 minute.
5. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, blending the ingredients into a rich, flavorful mixture.
6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, carefully balancing the flavors to create a harmonious taste profile.
7. Gently fold in cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or pour into a casserole dish if skillet is not oven-safe). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface becomes golden and bubbly, and cheese melts completely.

Notes

• Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect texture when the dish is finished.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and keep the goulash from becoming too oily.
• Try cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
• Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals, storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg