Hearty Goulash Recipe: Comforting Goodness in Every Spoonful

Beef simmering in a rich goulash recipe brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Aromatic spices dance through tender chunks of meat, creating a classic Hungarian dish that warms the soul.

Paprika adds deep, vibrant flavor to this traditional stew, making each bite memorable.

Generations have passed down this hearty meal, celebrating simple ingredients and bold tastes.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the goulash develops layers of complexity that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Every spoonful promises a delicious journey through Hungarian culinary tradition.

Serve this comforting stew and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Goulash: One-Pot Dinner Highlights

• A goulash that delivers pure, home-cooked comfort with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• One-pot wonder that reduces cleanup time, combines protein and pasta in a single delicious meal, perfect for busy families seeking quick nutrition.
• Cheesy, hearty dish that appeals to children and adults alike, transforming a classic recipe into a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will love.
• Flexible recipe allowing simple ingredient swaps or additions like extra vegetables, different cheese types, or protein variations to match personal preferences.

Everything for Hearty Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this comforting one-pot meal.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the goulash.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomato products that create a rich and tangy sauce base.
• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the goulash.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A complex condiment that adds a tangy and umami undertone.
• Seasoned Salt, Italian Seasoning, Bay Leaves: Spices and herbs that bring traditional goulash flavor profiles.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds heartiness to the meal.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a creamy finish to the goulash.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and beef.

Tools for Easy Goulash Cooking

• Large pot: Essential for cooking beef, vegetables, and pasta in one vessel.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings and olive oil.
• Measuring cups: Useful for precise liquid and pasta measurements.
• Cheese grater: Ideal for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Colander or strainer: Optional for draining excess beef fat.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing onions and bell peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Goulash Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Ground beef

Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef turns completely brown and loses its pink color.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic Flavors

Drain any extra grease from the pot.

Return the pot to the stove and sprinkle in minced garlic.

Sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delightful aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoned salt
• Italian seasoning
• Bay leaves

Stir everything thoroughly to create a rich, harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Stir periodically and cook until the pasta becomes perfectly tender, which typically takes around 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Pull out the bay leaves.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently.

Dish out this comforting meal while it’s piping hot and savor every delicious bite.

Tips for Flavorful, Hearty Goulash

• Brown meat thoroughly for deeper, richer taste before adding other ingredients, ensuring maximum caramelization and depth.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent noodles from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Let goulash rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Replace seasoned salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary and use low-sodium beef broth to control salt intake.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for enhanced flavor development.

Mix-Ins and Options for Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce tomato sauce quantity to lower carbohydrate content.

How to Serve Goulash for Dinner

• Cozy Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this goulash as the star of your family meal, surrounded by warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Cheesy Topping Paradise: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheese on top just before serving to add more melty goodness and enhance the flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, hearty goulash.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meat and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting main dish.

Storing Goulash Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is goulash a traditional American or European dish?

Goulash originated in Hungary as a hearty beef stew, but the American version is a simplified one-pot pasta dish that became popular during the Great Depression as an affordable, filling meal.

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork depending on your preference or dietary needs.

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

Consider reducing the amount of seasoning and using mild cheddar cheese. Kids usually enjoy the simple, comforting flavors of this one-pot meal.

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

The American version is more of a pasta-based casserole, while traditional Hungarian goulash is a beef stew with chunks of meat and typically served with bread or potatoes.

Hearty Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian Goulash, a classic comfort dish from Hungary, combines tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and root vegetables in one pot. Robust flavors and simple ingredients make this traditional stew perfect for cold evenings you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef
• 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) garlic, minced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (150 grams) onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 bay leaves

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) beef broth
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked macaroni noodles
• 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and ground beef until meat turns completely brown and vegetables soften, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Eliminate excess fat from the pot. Return to heat and introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly to create a robust, well-blended base.
4. Add uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the liquid mixture. Elevate heat to achieve a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking, cooking for 18-22 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
5. Extract bay leaves from the pot. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, allowing it to melt slightly before serving. Dish out immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with gluten-free macaroni or whole wheat pasta for alternative dietary needs.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the goulash’s depth and brightness when sprinkled on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg