As the scent of sautéing onions and garlic fills the kitchen, memories of family gatherings and hearty meals come rushing back. This Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner. This dish not only satisfies the hunger of your loved ones but also brings everyone together around the table. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or even add a little extra cheese for a creamy twist! So, are you ready to rekindle those cherished moments and treat your taste buds to a classic? Let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavors!
What makes this goulash irresistible?
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this goulash is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to serve a comforting meal without much hassle.
Nostalgic Flavor: The blend of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and tangy tomatoes creates a delightful symphony of taste reminiscent of family dinners and cherished memories.
Customizable Delight: Whether you’re a cheese lover or prefer to keep it simple, you can easily tailor this dish to your liking—add more veggies or switch up the cheeses with options like pepper jack for an exciting twist!
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this goulash at your next gathering, and watch as family and friends gather around for seconds. It’s a satisfying meal that brings everyone together, just like your favorite family recipes.
Comfort in a Bowl: With its rich, hearty texture and warm flavors, this goulash is the ultimate comfort food that promises to warm your soul on any chilly evening.
Goulash Ingredients
For the Meat and Veggies
• Ground beef – a classic choice that provides a hearty base, but you can substitute with turkey or lentils for a lighter option.
• Medium onion – adds sweetness and depth of flavor; consider using yellow or sweet onions for a milder taste.
• Garlic – enhances the savory notes; feel free to add more if you love that aromatic kick!
For the Saucy Goodness
• Worcestershire sauce – brings an umami punch; you can use soy sauce in a pinch for a similar flavor.
• Tomato sauce – forms the heart of your goulash sauce, providing richness and tanginess.
• Diced tomatoes – adds texture and freshness; using fire-roasted canned ones can elevate the flavor profile.
• Italian seasoning – a blend that captures the essence of goulash; homemade mixes can be even more flavorful.
• Salt and pepper – essential seasonings that enhance all ingredients; always adjust to taste.
For the Pasta
• Elbow macaroni – the traditional choice that absorbs the sauce beautifully; substitutes like shells or rotini work well too.
• Water (as needed) – for adjusting the sauce consistency; remember, you want it just thick enough to coat the pasta.
For Optional Creaminess
• Shredded cheddar cheese – optional but highly recommended for a creamy, melty topping that adds a delicious finish.
This goulash recipe is packed with simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful meal for everyone!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Goulash
Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 4 minutes, ensuring it’s slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook later in the goulash. Once time is up, drain the macaroni and set it aside, allowing any residual water to evaporate.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. You'll know it’s ready when no pink remains in the beef and the onions are soft.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. This step will enhance the flavors of your goulash, creating a fragrant mixture. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Products and Seasonings
Add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, mixing everything together well. Reduce the heat to low so the goulash can simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the colors brighten.
Step 5: Combine with Macaroni
Next, gently fold the cooked macaroni into the flavorful goulash mixture. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes, giving you time for those comforting flavors to blend together. Keep an eye on it—your goulash should be bubbling and well-combined, creating a hearty meal.
Step 6: Add Cheese for Creaminess (Optional)
For an extra touch of comfort, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the goulash during the final minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes creamy, enveloping the dish in deliciousness. The goulash is now ready to be served, bursting with warmth and flavor that will surely satisfy!
Goulash Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize this goulash to suit your taste buds!
- Turkey Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option; seasoned just right, it still packs a flavor punch.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute beef with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based twist that everyone will enjoy.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella; each will add a unique melt and burst of flavor!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture. These bright veggies will make your goulash even more colorful and satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, turning your goulash into a zesty favorite for those who dare!
- Creamy Comfort: Incorporate a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for an ultra-creamy, dreamy texture that envelops the pasta beautifully.
- Herb Variety: Switch Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil or oregano to create a fresh, garden-inspired flavor profile that brightens every bite.
- Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to swap elbow macaroni with any pasta type you prefer, such as shells, fusilli, or even gluten-free options to cater to different diets.
No matter how you choose to mix it up, this goulash will surely become a staple in your home—just like those cherished family memories.
Expert Tips for Perfect Goulash
Don’t Overcook Macaroni: Ensure macaroni is slightly undercooked when initial boiling, as it will finish cooking when mixed into the goulash.
Flavor Boost: Sauté ground beef until fully browned for a rich flavor base; undercooked beef can lead to an unappetizing taste.
Adjust Consistency: If the goulash is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve your desired sauciness. It should be lovingly coated, not soupy.
Cheese Addition: For a delicious twist, only add cheese during the last few minutes to retain its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture without overcooking it.
Seasoning Matters: Don't skimp on salt and pepper; taste as you go, since these key seasonings enhance every aspect of your goulash dish.
Keep it Personal: Feel free to customize your goulash with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or even corn for a delightful change in texture and flavor!
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Goulash
Pair your goulash with delightful sides and drinks that complete the meal experience.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce; its buttery goodness adds a comforting touch.
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Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the meal, balancing the richness of the goulash beautifully.
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Steamed Green Beans: A burst of vibrant greens adds color and a slightly sweet crunch, complementing the hearty textures of the goulash.
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Crispy Cornbread: Its sweet flavor and crumbly texture create a delightful contrast with the rich goulash, rounding out your comforting feast.
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Light Red Wine: A classic pairing, a chilled glass of Merlot or Zinfandel enhances the savory notes while adding a touch of sophistication.
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Chocolate Brownies: For dessert, these fudgy treats offer a sweet finish, balancing out the dinner’s savory flavors. Indulge in a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence!
Make Ahead Options
These hearty goulash are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Similarly, prepare the macaroni slightly underdone (4 minutes) and store it separately in the fridge. The tomato sauce mixture can also be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture in a pot, stir in the prepared tomato sauce and macaroni, and let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Adding the cheese at the end ensures it melts beautifully, resulting in just as delicious a goulash that your family will love!
How to Store and Freeze Goulash
Fridge: Store your goulash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze goulash in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow some space for expansion when freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven cooking.
Leftovers: Any leftover goulash can be mixed with additional water or broth if it's too thick after refrigeration. Enjoy this comforting meal again with ease!
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe FAQs
What kind of ground beef should I use for goulash?
Absolutely! I recommend using regular ground beef for its rich flavor and texture, but you can also opt for lean beef if you prefer a lighter version. Ground turkey or lentils are great plant-based alternatives that work well in this dish too!
How do I store leftovers of goulash?
Very simple! Place your goulash in an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain its deliciousness. I often label the container with the date to keep track!
Can I freeze goulash, and if so, how?
Definitely! Freeze your goulash in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly.
What should I do if my goulash is too thick?
No worries! If your goulash has thickened too much after storing, simply stir in a splash of water or broth while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. This will bring back the cozy, saucy texture that makes goulash so comforting.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for goulash?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re making goulash for guests, keep in mind any potential allergies. It's nut-free and can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. For those who are lactose intolerant, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative without losing that creamy touch. Always check labels for specific ingredients!
What type of tomatoes work best for goulash?
For the richest flavor, I suggest using crushed tomatoes or high-quality diced tomatoes, perhaps even fire-roasted ones, because they add a deep, smoky sweetness. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can dice them and substitute them in, just bear in mind that they might require a few extra minutes to soften while cooking.
Hearty Goulash to Warm Your Soul in Just 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 4 minutes.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat, then add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, mixing well. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the goulash mixture and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the goulash during the final minutes of cooking and stir until melted.
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