Grandma’s Hearty Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe You’ll Adore

Hearty and comforting, this classic old-fashioned goulash recipe brings the rich flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this one-pot marvel that warms you from the inside out.

Tender beef chunks simmer alongside sweet paprika and robust tomatoes, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

The aroma fills your home with memories of rustic farmhouse kitchens and weekend gatherings.

Each spoonful tells a story of culinary heritage passed down through decades of passionate cooking.

Robust and soul-warming, this goulash promises to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.

Let’s find out this delicious journey and savor every comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash

• Ground Beef Or Turkey: Rich, hearty meat that provides robust flavor and substantial protein for a satisfying meal, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness, select firm yellow onions with no soft spots for best results.

• Water: Creates necessary cooking liquid for pasta and sauce integration.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meaty flavor profile and adds richness to overall dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth, concentrated base that binds ingredients and provides classic goulash texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and bright, tangy notes to the sauce.

• Garlic: Intense, aromatic flavor booster that complements meat and tomato components.
• Italian Herb Seasoning: Blends classic Mediterranean herbs for complex, well-rounded taste.
• Adobo Spice Blend: Adds smoky, warm undertones and traditional Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Bay Leaves: Provides subtle earthy background flavor, remove before serving.
• Seasoned Salt: Balanced salt blend that enhances overall dish taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness to balance other flavors.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that perfectly catches sauce and provides hearty texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds smooth texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that provides additional richness and depth.

Essential Tools for Cooking Old Fashioned Goulash

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing components while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate liquid and seasoning quantities.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Precisely measures seasonings and spices.
• Lid or cover: Necessary for simmering the goulash and trapping moisture.
• Cheese grater: Optional for grating fresh cheddar and mozzarella.

How to Cook Old Fashioned Goulash the Traditional Way

• Meat Foundation

Start by transforming ground meat into a savory base in a large skillet, creating delicious golden-brown edges that promise deep flavor.

• Aromatic Awakening

Introduce finely chopped garlic and onions to the same pan, allowing them to dance and release their rich, inviting fragrance.

• Liquid Symphony

Reunite the browned meat with the softened aromatics, then cascade a blend of water, broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, building layers of robust taste.

• Spice Harmony

Sprinkle a constellation of Italian seasoning, adobo, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, transforming the mixture into a fragrant landscape of culinary delight.

• Gentle Simmering

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients meld together, simmering softly for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop complexity.

• Pasta Integration

Fold macaroni into the bubbling mixture, continuing the gentle simmer for another 30 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the surrounding richness.

• Cheesy Crescendo

Discard the bay leaves, then crown the goulash with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and a luxurious blanket of melting mozzarella, creating an irresistible final flourish.

Goulash Tips & Tweaks for Extra Flavor and Comfort

• Choose lean ground beef (80/20) for rich flavor without excess grease, or swap with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells to add fun texture and catch more sauce in every bite.
• Mix cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create a more complex and exciting flavor profile that elevates the classic goulash.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a splash of worcestershire sauce to give the dish an unexpected depth and warming kick that will surprise your taste buds.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider doubling the recipe and storing in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.

How to Serve Up a Warm Dish of Old Fashioned Goulash

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this goulash in deep ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, comforting layers. Pair with a crisp green salad for added freshness and balance.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice some warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's texture complements the tender meat and pasta perfectly.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or parmesan on top just before serving. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal brightness that elevates the entire dish.
• Cozy Weeknight Dinner: Make this goulash a centerpiece of family bonding by serving family-style in a large cast-iron skillet. Let everyone dig in together and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.

Storage Tips for Leftover Goulash That Still Tastes Great

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This helps maintain flavor and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freezing Magic: Portion out cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen goulash stays delicious for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
• Reheating Perfection: Thaw refrigerated goulash in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching the bottom of the dish.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare a double batch and divide into individual servings for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts during hectic weekdays. Label containers with dates to track freshness and enjoy convenient, homemade meals anytime.

Hearty Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash promises a hearty culinary journey through traditional flavors with tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and root vegetables. Comforting spices and slow-cooked meat invite you to savor generations of Hungarian cooking heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 tsps minced garlic cloves
• 2.5 cups (591 ml) water
• ½ cup (118 ml) beef broth
• ½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
• 2 15-oz (425 g) cans of tomato sauce
• 2 15-oz (425 g) cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1 tbsp adobo spice blend
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• ½ tbsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups (180 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground meat over medium-high heat until completely browned, breaking into fine crumbles, then set aside on a clean plate.
2. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, caramelize garlic and onions until translucent and releasing their fragrant essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Liquid Integration: Return browned meat to skillet, then pour water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, creating a rich, cohesive blend.
4. Seasoning Symphony: Introduce Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough distribution for maximum flavor profile.
5. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow mixture to gently simmer for 20 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
6. Pasta Incorporation: Directly add elbow macaroni into the skillet, ensuring complete submersion in liquid. Continue simmering, covered, for 30 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs most liquid.
7. Final Flourish: Remove bay leaves, fold in cheddar cheese until melted, then top with mozzarella, allowing brief melting before serving.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground meat is thoroughly browned with no pink spots, breaking into fine crumbs for better texture and deeper flavor development.
• Seasoning Strategy: Layer seasonings gradually, mixing Italian and adobo seasonings for complex, robust taste profile that elevates traditional goulash.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Add uncooked macaroni directly into skillet, allowing it to absorb liquid and spices, creating a one-pot meal with maximum flavor infusion.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Fold cheddar cheese into hot mixture first, then top with mozzarella for a creamy, stretchy finish that adds luxurious texture to the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg