The Best Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty and comforting, this old fashioned goulash carries memories of grandmother’s kitchen with robust flavors.

Generations have cherished these simple yet delectable one-pot meals across central European homes.

Tender beef chunks simmer slowly in a rich, paprika-infused sauce that warms every corner of your palate.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rustic dish that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Hungarian culinary traditions shine through each carefully seasoned spoonful of this classic meal.

Spices dance together, telling stories of countryside kitchens and time-honored cooking techniques.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can create something magnificently satisfying that connects you to heritage and home.

FAQs

• Is goulash originally from the United States?

The dish has Hungarian roots, but this version is an American adaptation that became popular as a budget-friendly, hearty meal during the Great Depression.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Elbow macaroni works best, but you can substitute with other short pasta like shells or rotini for similar results.

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

Use affordable ground beef, canned tomatoes, and standard pasta to keep costs low while creating a filling meal.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, goulash reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Old Fashioned Goulash Made Classic

• Mastering Comfort Food: This goulash transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal prep and one-pot cooking make this recipe perfect for busy households, delivering delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Using affordable staples like ground beef, pasta, and pantry spices means you can create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with extra vegetables or different cheese types, making it ideal for picky eaters and flexible meal planning.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and savory undertones to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a robust and well-balanced flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients create a tangy and smooth base for the goulash.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the dish.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and provides a comforting texture.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty finish to the goulash, adding extra richness if desired.

Cooking Method for Old Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat. Tilt the pan and carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their delicious fragrance, creating a wonderful base for the goulash.

Step 3: Build Rich Flavor Base

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

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Introduce elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce.

Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Optional Cheesy Finish

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy and luxurious texture.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and serve immediately. This hearty meal is perfect for comfort food lovers and will warm everyone’s heart.

Important Points for Old Fashioned Goulash

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Choose high-quality paprika for an authentic, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the goulash.
• Allow the dish to simmer slowly to develop deeper, more complex flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Add a splash of red wine during cooking to create a more robust and sophisticated taste profile.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavorful Twists on Old Fashioned Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add hot paprika, diced jalapeños, and extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

Ideal Pairings with Old Fashioned Goulash

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Serve this goulash as a comforting main course with warm crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious sauce and catch every flavorful bite.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Prepare the goulash in a large slow cooker and bring to community gatherings, where it'll be a crowd-pleasing dish that feeds many hungry friends and family members.
• Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Top each serving with extra shredded cheese, fresh chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra richness and make the meal feel more special and indulgent.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy work or school lunches, knowing the flavors will taste even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Best Practices for Storing Old Fashioned Goulash

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Store goulash separately from any additional toppings like extra cheese to maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze the goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time and ensure food safety.

Simple Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash, a hearty peasant stew from Hungary, blends tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting vegetables. Diners will savor robust flavors that connect them to traditional Central European culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean base for the goulash.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a rich, flavorful liquid foundation.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
5. Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, cooking for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Optional: Incorporate shredded cheese into the goulash, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
7. Remove from heat and let the goulash rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop and sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Serve piping hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add extra depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free alternative, swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to suit dietary needs.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and a subtle vegetable boost that kids might enjoy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 379 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 2450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg