The Best Classic Goulash Recipe That Warms Up Your Soul

Beef goulash simmers with rich, hearty flavors that transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Hungary.

This traditional Central European stew blends tender meat with aromatic spices and robust vegetables.

Paprika weaves its magic through every delectable bite, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting classic, passing down techniques that make each pot special.

Simple ingredients come together in a dance of culinary tradition, promising warmth and depth in every spoonful.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this timeless Hungarian treasure.

Prepare to be charmed by a recipe that celebrates pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Old Fashioned Goulash Ingredients at a Glance

• Ground Beef: Hearty foundation that brings robust meaty flavor and satisfying texture to the classic goulash, choose lean ground beef for better taste and less grease.

• Olive Oil or Beef Fat: Helps create delicious caramelization and prevents sticking while adding rich depth to the meat's initial searing.

• Yellow Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic undertones that meld beautifully with the beef's richness and create a classic goulash base.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity and provide a robust aromatic foundation.

• Salt: Crucial for drawing out moisture and intensifying the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Delivers a subtle warming heat and helps balance the overall taste profile of the goulash.

• Beef Broth: Creates a silky, flavorful liquid base that helps tenderize meat and develop deep, comforting flavors.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings tangy sweetness and vibrant color while helping to create a luscious, clingy sauce for the goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides classic comfort food texture and helps soak up the delicious sauce, making the dish hearty and satisfying.

Cooking Tools for Old Fashioned Goulash Success

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the ground beef and creating the base of your goulash.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the meat and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Colander or strainer: Helpful for draining excess fat from the ground beef.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Bring Old Fashioned Goulash to Life

• Brown the Beef

Heat a spacious pot over medium flame and toss in the ground beef. Break apart the meat while it sizzles, letting it develop a rich, golden color. Cook until no pink remains.

• Create the Flavor Base

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, stirring constantly. Let them dance together until the onions turn translucent and release their aromatic.

• Build the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, creating a vibrant, glossy foundation. Sprinkle in your favorite herbs and seasonings to awaken the taste buds.

• Simmer and Transform

Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling mixture. Cover and let everything meld together, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb all those incredible flavors while becoming perfectly tender.

• Final Touch

Reduce heat and let the goulash rest for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken and wrap around each pasta morsel, creating a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Kitchen Wisdom for Old Fashioned Goulash Tweaks

• Ensure your ground beef develops a deep, rich color by avoiding overcrowding the pan and allowing it to sear properly before breaking it up.
• Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice or zucchini noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce salt content by using low-sodium tomato sauce and omitting added salt, making it heart-friendly for those watching their sodium intake.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the cooking process to increase the vegetable content without changing the classic flavor profile.
• Prepare a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating an easy make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Pairings and Platters for Old Fashioned Goulash

• Hearty Comfort Meal Companion: Serve this classic goulash with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce, making every bite even more delicious.
• Creamy Sidekick: Top the goulash with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, meaty dish.
• Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a light, herbal flavor that brightens the entire meal.
• Family-Style Presentation: Dish out the goulash in a large, rustic serving bowl placed in the center of the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves and enjoy a cozy, communal dining experience.

Keep Your Old Fashioned Goulash Fresh and Flavorful

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the flavors rich and ingredients sealed tight.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, which can maintain quality for 3 months without losing taste integrity.
• Warm goulash slowly on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring occasionally for even heating.
• Prepare the entire dish 1-2 days before serving to allow spices and ingredients to develop deeper, more complex flavors, making your meal taste even more delicious when ready to enjoy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Old Fashioned Goulash?

Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and a blend of seasonings like paprika and oregano are the core ingredients that make this classic comfort dish.

• Is this goulash recipe authentic Hungarian style?

While inspired by Hungarian cuisine, this version is more of an American adaptation that combines hearty beef, pasta, and tomato-based sauce into a one-pot meal popular in home cooking.

• Can I make this goulash gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta, and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

• What makes this goulash different from other pasta dishes?

Unlike typical pasta recipes, this goulash has a richer, more robust flavor profile with Hungarian-inspired seasonings and a thicker, heartier sauce that coats the pasta completely.

Classic Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hungarian Old Fashioned Goulash melds hearty beef, paprika-rich sauce, and tender vegetables in a classic comfort dish. Rich flavors showcase traditional Central European culinary heritage, inviting you to savor authentic Hungarian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (200 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat a Dutch oven over medium flame, adding ground beef to sear and caramelize while breaking it apart with a cooking utensil until deep brown.
2. Fat Management: Drain excess fat, leaving a thin layer for enhanced flavor development.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring to create a fragrant base that infuses the meat with rich, savory notes.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, creating a robust liquid foundation that will bind the dish’s complex flavors.
5. Seasoning Layer: Sprinkle Hungarian paprika, salt, and black pepper, gently folding to distribute spices evenly and awaken their distinctive taste profiles.
6. Simmering Process: Let the mixture simmer uncovered, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
7. Pasta Incorporation: Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, enabling the pasta to absorb the seasoned liquid and achieve perfect tenderness.
8. Final Refinement: Continue cooking until pasta reaches al dente consistency and sauce thickens to a luxurious, comforting texture.
9. Serving Preparation: Remove from heat and let goulash rest briefly, allowing flavors to consolidate before serving in warm bowls.

Notes

Optimize Meat Browning: Create deep flavor by ensuring ground beef caramelizes thoroughly without overcrowding the pan, allowing proper Maillard reaction for rich taste development.

Select High-Quality Paprika: Use authentic Hungarian paprika for genuine flavor profile, preferring sweet or mild varieties to capture traditional goulash essence without overwhelming spiciness.

Control Liquid Absorption: Monitor pasta cooking carefully, adding small amounts of water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring macaroni cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor without becoming mushy.

Dairy-Free Modification: Replace traditional dairy-based garnishes with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diet preferences, maintaining creamy texture and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg