The Ultimate Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty Hungarian beef stew has always captured my culinary fascination with its rich, traditional old fashioned goulash recipe.

Paprika-laden comfort emerges from generations of home cooking across central European kitchens.

Robust meat chunks simmer slowly, developing deep, complex flavors that whisper stories of countryside meals.

Tender beef transforms into melt-in-your-mouth morsels amid fragrant herbs and vegetables.

Each spoonful connects you to rustic cooking traditions passed down through decades of passionate preparation.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through the aromatic steam rising from this classic dish.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right away to experience this authentic, soul-warming meal.

Old Fashioned Goulash FAQs To Know

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

This American-style goulash is a one-pot pasta dish that’s heartier and simpler than the traditional Hungarian version. While classic goulash is a beef stew, this recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce for a more comforting meal.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Elbow macaroni works best because it absorbs the sauce well and creates a perfect texture. However, you can substitute with similar short pasta like shells or rotini if needed.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheesy sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s simple, flavorful, and easy to eat.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process. These will boost the nutritional value without changing the classic flavor of the dish.

Why Old Fashioned Goulash Is A True Comfort Food

• Whip Up Comfort in Minutes: This goulash recipe delivers hearty, homemade goodness with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking process by using a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors like beef, pasta, and melty cheese, this goulash will have children and adults alike asking for seconds, making it an ideal family meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, this recipe offers flexibility while maintaining its classic, comforting essence.

What Goes Into Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing rich, hearty flavor and protein.
• Notes: Choose lean ground beef for less grease, 80/20 or 85/15 fat content works best.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients adding depth and classic savory notes.
• Notes: Fresh garlic and sweet yellow onions offer the best taste profile.

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides classic comfort food texture and helps absorb sauce.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Creates a robust, tangy sauce base.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meaty flavor and adds moisture to the dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami and slight tanginess.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces herbal complexity to the overall flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing other flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Offers creamy richness and melty texture.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright garnish for visual appeal and light herbal note.

How To Make Old Fashioned Goulash Simply

• Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until fully browned, then drain the excess fat—leaving just a little for flavor.

• Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their savory aroma into the beef.

• Build the Flavorful Base

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce. Cover the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

• Top with Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover again and let it melt for 2–3 minutes until gooey and irresistible.

• Serve Hot and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips For Making Old Fashioned Goulash

• Drain Beef Wisely: Remove most of the fat after browning to keep the goulash lighter and prevent greasiness, but leave a small amount for extra flavor.
• Pasta Perfection: Stir macaroni occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese gradually and off the heat to create a smooth, creamy texture without becoming grainy or separated.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let the goulash simmer slowly to allow seasonings to blend and develop a rich, deep taste that makes the dish more delicious.
• Leftover Love: Store goulash in an airtight container for up to 4 days, as the flavors continue to meld and improve overnight in the refrigerator.

Storage Guide For Old Fashioned Goulash

• Preserve your delicious goulash by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to a storage container to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for maximum food safety.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal later.
• When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
• Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Always check the dish's temperature, making sure it reaches 165°F to ensure it's thoroughly heated before serving.

Side Dishes That Fit Old Fashioned Goulash

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the goulash. The wine's bold tannins will cut through the dish's richness and enhance its savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing. The fresh, acidic elements will balance the goulash's heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will add textural variety and help capture every last bit of the flavorful dish.
• Complement with Light Beer: Opt for a German-style lager or pilsner that can cut through the goulash's richness. The beer's crisp, clean finish will refresh the palate between bites and enhance the meal's overall enjoyment.

Creative Old Fashioned Goulash Variations

• Hungarian Style: Swap ground beef for traditional cubed beef, using more paprika and adding caraway seeds for an authentic Budapest flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Kick: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap half the beef broth with tomato salsa for a zesty southwestern approach.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace elbow macaroni with orzo, add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie Loaded Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles, mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort through tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and traditional slow-cooking magic. Simmered with love and generations of culinary wisdom, this classic dish promises a soul-warming meal that connects you directly to Eastern European kitchen traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Tomato Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Topping:

• 2 cups (200 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a spacious pot over medium flame, methodically crumbling the meat while it browns. Eliminate most of the rendered fat, preserving a thin layer for flavor enhancement.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the meat-filled pot. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, whole diced tomatoes with their natural juices, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to marry the ingredients.
4. Gently cascade uncooked elbow macaroni into the bubbling sauce. Ensure complete pasta submersion through careful stirring. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot.
5. Allow the goulash to evolve, stirring periodically, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and sauce thickens substantially, roughly 15-18 minutes.
6. For enhanced creaminess, fold half the cheddar cheese into the goulash. Distribute remaining cheese across the surface, creating a tempting molten layer.
7. Let the residual heat transform the cheese into a glossy, melted blanket. Rest the dish momentarily to allow flavors to harmonize.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Layer flavors by toasting paprika and Italian seasoning briefly before adding liquid ingredients to enhance their depth and complexity.
• Customize for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free macaroni or using plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg