Grandma’s Cozy Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for Soul-Warming Joy

Hearty old fashioned goulash sparks memories of cozy kitchens and warm family dinners.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting Hungarian classic.

Rich beef chunks swimming in a deep red paprika-infused sauce create pure magic on dinner plates.

Tender meat melts with each savory bite, telling stories of traditional cooking passed down through decades.

Authentic spices blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Slow-simmered techniques ensure deep flavors develop beautifully in every pot.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and savor this incredible culinary journey.

FAQs

• Is goulash an American or Hungarian dish?

This version is an American adaptation of the traditional Hungarian stew, simplified for quick home cooking with ground beef and pasta.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

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

Use less expensive ground beef cuts, buy canned tomatoes when on sale, and choose store-brand seasonings to reduce overall cost.

• 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 preparing ahead of time.

Classic Goulash – Reasons to Love It

• Quickly Prep Hearty Meal: This goulash recipe requires minimal chopping and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without complicated steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this dish delivers classic comfort that appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will enjoy.
• One-Pot Wonder: By cooking everything in a single skillet, you'll minimize kitchen cleanup and save time on dishwashing, allowing more moments to relax after dinner instead of scrubbing multiple pots and pans.
• Budget-Friendly Dining: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and canned tomatoes means you can feed a family deliciously without breaking the bank, making this recipe incredibly economical.

Goulash Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami-rich taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Macaroni: The classic pasta that gives the goulash its comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that melts beautifully and adds a creamy, sharp finish.

Cooking Directions for Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a spacious skillet or pot, sizzle ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat, ensuring a lean and flavorful base for your goulash.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften in the pan.

Their fragrant aroma will begin to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld and create a symphony of taste.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then fold in the uncooked macaroni.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the pasta transforms into tender, sauce-coated morsels.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Let the cheese melt into a creamy blanket, creating an irresistible final touch to your comforting goulash.

Smart Goulash Cooking Reminders

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef, ensuring a lighter, less oily dish.
• Select lean ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat for better flavor and reduced greasiness.
• Stir macaroni frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve an even, tender consistency throughout the goulash.
• Enhance the dish by adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Let the hot goulash sit for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to create a creamy, perfectly melted topping.

Optional Tweaks for Goulash Lovers

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings for a protein-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or quinoa, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican Goulash: Add diced green chilies, replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin, top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing overall carbohydrate content while keeping the hearty flavor profile.

Goulash on the Table

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add some fresh crunch.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve alongside warm, buttered garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Veggie Side Kick: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or zucchini on the side to boost nutrition and provide a colorful plate presentation.
• Comfort Meal Topper: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese or fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor and a restaurant-style finishing touch.

Goulash Storage Made Simple

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer goulash to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warmed through.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash showcases hearty beef stew perfected through generations of culinary tradition. Rich spices and tender meat create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Tomato Base:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (100 grams) elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown ground beef, ensuring no pink remains.
2. Drain accumulated fat from the meat, leaving behind a lean base for the goulash.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a rich and flavorful liquid base.
6. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.
7. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for 12-15 minutes and stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
8. Test pasta for tenderness and ensure sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
9. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for an additional layer of creamy richness before serving.

Notes

• Enhance the flavor by using high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for richer taste.
• For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative without compromising the dish’s hearty character.
• Customize the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra kick.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg