Grandma’s Cozy Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Minutes

Old-fashioned goulash represents the ultimate culinary comfort, blending rustic charm with deeply satisfying flavors.

Hungarian roots shine through its hearty composition, refineing basic ingredients into something magical.

Robust meat mingles with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that warms souls instantly.

Tender pasta absorbs the rich, velvety sauce, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations have celebrated this classic dish for its straightforward preparation and incredible depth of flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this unpretentious yet remarkable recipe.

Secrets to Flavorful and Simple Old Fashioned Goulash

• Choose Lean Meat: Select ground beef with 85% lean content for optimal flavor and reduced greasiness.
• Sauté Aromatics Perfectly: Cook garlic and onions until translucent to develop a rich, deep base flavor for the goulash.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add dried herbs early and ground spices later to maximize their aromatic potential and prevent burning.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor liquid levels during simmering, adding small amounts of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt naturally off the heat for a smooth, creamy texture without separating or becoming grainy.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Goulash

• Refrigerate leftover goulash in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Preserve the pasta's texture by storing the goulash without additional cheese topping.
• Reheating Method: Transfer the goulash to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Freezing Option: Pack cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Easy Sides That Complement Old Fashioned Goulash

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty goulash with a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, whose rich tannins and deep fruit notes perfectly balance the savory meat and tomato flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a delightful side that soaks up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta and tender meat.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Add a fresh, light element with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, cutting through the goulash's richness and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Cool Down with Pilsner Beer: Enjoy a cold, crisp Pilsner that cuts through the dish's heartiness, its light hoppy flavor complementing the robust tomato and meat base without overwhelming the meal.

Give Old Fashioned Goulash a Twist With These Ideas

• Spicy Hungarian Fusion: Swap ground meat with chorizo and add paprika for an authentic Hungarian kick. Include bell peppers and hot chili flakes to elevate the heat profile.
• Mediterranean Green Goulash: Replace ground beef with ground lamb and incorporate spinach, oregano, and feta cheese. Mix in kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Lean Protein Power Bowl: Use ground turkey or lean chicken instead of beef. Add quinoa in place of macaroni for a protein-packed, lower-carb alternative. Include zucchini and fresh herbs for extra nutrition.
• Vegetarian Comfort Blend: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Enhance with mushrooms, eggplant, and nutritional yeast for depth. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for rich flavor complexity.

Why Old Fashioned Goulash Still Feeds the Soul

• Savor Hearty One-Pot Comfort: Dive into a classic goulash that combines rich ground meat, tender macaroni, and melted cheeses in a single, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this satisfying meal in just 50 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a delicious home-cooked dinner.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with 28g of protein and a blend of Italian seasonings, this goulash delivers a robust taste profile that fills you up and keeps you satisfied without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra cheese, different meat options, or added vegetables, ensuring everyone can create their perfect version of this classic comfort food.

All You Need to Make Old Fashioned Goulash Tonight

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the goulash, best when 80/20 lean to fat ratio for optimal taste.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs flavors and creates comforting texture in the dish.
• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and aromatic complexity to the goulash.
• Italian Seasoning, Adobo, Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that create a robust and well-rounded flavor profile.
• Water, Broth: Provide moisture and additional savory depth to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that adds moisture and classic goulash flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty toppings that add richness and a golden finish to the dish.

Classic Comfort in Every Step of This Old Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked and crumbly, then transfer to a side plate.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Meat and Liquid Base

• Return the browned beef to the pan
• Pour in water
• Add beef broth
• Mix in tomato sauce
• Stir in diced tomatoes

Step 4: Season with Flavor Boosters

• Italian seasoning
• Adobo seasoning
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Slow Simmer the Mixture

Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add macaroni to the skillet and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 7: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

• Remove bay leaves
• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese
• Top with mozzarella cheese
• Let cheese melt slightly before serving

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort straight from Central European kitchens. Rich beef stew simmered with paprika and vegetables creates a soul-warming meal perfect for gathering friends around a steaming pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic cloves

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) beef broth
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans of tomato sauce
• 2 15-ounce (425 grams) cans of diced tomatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
• 1 tablespoon adobo spice blend
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• ½ tablespoon ground black pepper

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups (180 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground meat until no pink remains, breaking it into fine crumbles. Transfer the cooked meat to a clean plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Reintroduce the browned meat to the skillet and pour in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, whole bay leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring the spices are well distributed.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
6. Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet, stirring to ensure pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Continue simmering, covered, for an additional 30 minutes or until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Extract and discard the bay leaves, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt briefly before serving.

Notes

• Elevate this classic comfort dish by using high-quality ground beef for richer flavor depth.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Fresh garlic makes a significant difference compared to pre-minced versions, intensifying overall taste profile.
• Letting the goulash rest 10 minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.
• Experiment with cheese blends like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for more complex melting textures.
• Freezes beautifully for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Boiling, Frying, Sautéing, Simmering, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg