Grandma’s Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat
Steaming with rich, hearty flavors, this old classic fashioned goulash recipe brings comfort straight from the heart of Hungarian cuisine.
Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, infusing it with deep, robust spices and tender meat.
Paprika dances through each savory bite, creating a warm and inviting meal that connects you to traditional cooking.
The ingredients blend seamlessly, telling a story of culinary heritage and home-style cooking.
Robust beef mingles with soft pasta, creating a symphony of textures that warm you from the inside out.
Simple yet deeply satisfying, this goulash promises a delicious journey through authentic, soulful cooking that will make your taste buds sing with delight.
Goulash Tips for Authentic Flavor
Classic Goulash Mastery
Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter without sacrificing rich flavor.
Slightly undercook macaroni during initial boiling since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture and maintaining ideal al dente consistency.
Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or blend multiple cheeses for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
Sneak extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the meat sautéing stage for increased vegetable content and enhanced flavor complexity.
Introduce mild heat with red pepper flakes or swap Italian seasoning for smoked paprika to give the goulash a subtle Hungarian-inspired twist that elevates the traditional recipe.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 9
Ingredients for Old Classic Fashioned Goulash
For Protein and Flavor Base:
Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that provides the main protein and creates a robust foundation for the goulash, selecting 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and enhances the meat's natural savoriness with its tangy, slightly sweet profile.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
Onion: Builds a sweet, caramelized base that adds depth and traditional European character to the dish.
Garlic: Introduces a pungent, warm undertone that elevates the overall taste and brings authentic Mediterranean cooking essence.
For Seasoning and Spice Blend:
Black Pepper: Delivers a subtle heat and sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the meat.
Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to infuse a classic Mediterranean herbal complexity.
Salt: Crucial for balancing and intensifying all other flavors in the goulash.
For Texture and Creaminess:
Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures sauce perfectly and provides satisfying, hearty bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and sharp, tangy notes to the dish.
For Sauce and Liquid Base:
Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich foundation that binds all ingredients together.
Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds fresh, bright tomato chunks for texture and authentic goulash character.
Tools to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Properly
Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and preparing base ingredients.
Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
9×13 inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet: Required for baking the goulash in the oven.
Cheese grater: Useful if grating fresh cheddar cheese.
How to Cook Classic Goulash from Scratch
Pasta Preparation Gather your favorite elbow macaroni and cook it slightly undercooked, creating a perfect base for this hearty dish. The slightly firm pasta will absorb all the delicious flavors beautifully.
Meat Magic Heat a large skillet and brown ground beef with chopped onions. The sizzling sounds and rich aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth, creating anticipation for the meal ahead.
Flavor Building Add minced garlic for an extra punch, then pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. A splash of Worcestershire sauce brings depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
Seasoning Blend Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Each shake of seasoning transforms the dish, building layers of mouthwatering taste that will have everyone gathering around the table.
Cheesy Finale Gently fold the partially cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring every piece gets coated. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty, golden blanket of deliciousness.
Oven Transformation Transfer the goulash to a baking dish and slide it into a preheated oven. Watch as the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy, promising a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Serving Old-Fashioned Goulash the Traditional Way
Fresh Salad Companion: Crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette perfectly balances the hearty goulash.
Garlic Bread Delight: Warm, crusty garlic bread slices offer a delicious crunch and soak up the rich sauce, elevating the entire meal experience.
Ranch Drizzle Magic: A light drizzle of cool ranch dressing on top adds tangy freshness and complements the warm, cheesy pasta base, creating a flavor explosion.
Vegetable Medley Boost: Steamed broccoli or roasted seasonal vegetables provide a nutritious and colorful side that cuts through the goulash's richness.
Storing Goulash the Smart Way
Smart Storage Solutions
Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover goulash in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Freezer-Friendly Feast: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring a quick meal option during busy weeks.
Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated goulash in microwave at medium power, stirring halfway through. Add splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, creating creamy consistency just like freshly made.
Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare entire dish one day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Simply reheat in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to develop deeper richness.
Hungarian goulash delivers hearty comfort through tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and classic European flavors. Spicy and robust ingredients combine to create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with genuine satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
1 lb (454 g) elbow macaroni
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
2 cans tomato sauce
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 cup (240 ml/8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) black pepper
0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil, cooking elbow macaroni slightly under the recommended time for al dente texture.
Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and onions together until the meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, draining excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
Sauce Integration: Stir in tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, unified mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
Cheese Fusion: Fold the drained macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring complete coating. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creating a creamy, homogeneous texture.
Baking Process: Transfer the goulash to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust and edges become bubbly, indicating thorough heating and complete cheese melting.
Serving: Remove from the oven and let the goulash rest for 5-10 minutes to set, then serve with optional garnishes or accompanying dishes.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than package instructions for ideal al dente texture that prevents mushy consistency.
Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat after browning to reduce greasiness and enhance overall dish healthiness.
Cheese Melting Technique: Add shredded cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
Resting Magic: Allow goulash to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and achieve better serving consistency.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.