Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a meal that’s as comforting as a family gathering around the table. That’s exactly what this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe delivers—a one-pot wonder that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce for an effortless, nostalgic dinner. As a timeless classic from exorecipes.com, this recipe simplifies weeknight cooking while preserving authentic flavors, making it the ultimate go-to for busy families. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe promises a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes, turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary comfort food.

The aromas wafting from your kitchen will be irresistible, with the savory scent of browning beef mingling with the sweet undertones of onions and garlic. Each bite offers a symphony of textures: the al dente elbow macaroni soaking up the flavorful tomato broth, the tender bell peppers adding a slight crunch, and the ground beef providing that hearty, melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. Picture the rich, tangy sauce infused with paprika and oregano, creating a warm, inviting dish that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or savoring on its own. This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe isn’t just food; it’s a sensory journey that evokes memories of home-cooked meals from years past.

What sets this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe apart on exorecipes.com is our commitment to making it the most reliable and user-friendly version available. Drawing from Chef Mia’s expertise, we’ve incorporated a “Chef’s Secret” technique that elevates the flavors without complicating the process—think a precise balance of spices for that authentic, robust taste. Readers will discover expert tips, easy substitutions, and foolproof steps that ensure success every time. By the end of this post, you’ll feel empowered to create this comforting classic, complete with garnishes that make it visually appealing and nutritionally balanced, all while learning how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe lies in the one-pot method, which infuses every ingredient with deep, layered flavors while minimizing cleanup—a true kitchen hack for modern families. By simmering everything together, the paprika and oregano release their essential oils slowly, creating a richer, more aromatic broth that sets this recipe apart from traditional versions. This technique ensures that the ground beef’s juices meld perfectly with the tomato base, resulting in a cohesive, flavorful dish that’s far superior to basic stovetop stews.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe involves the careful addition of uncooked macaroni, which absorbs the broth gradually. This prevents sogginess by allowing the pasta to cook evenly in the liquid, creating a tender yet firm texture that holds up well. The bell peppers retain a slight crispness, adding contrast to the soft beef and sauce, all thanks to the controlled simmering process that maintains moisture without overcooking.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our exorecipes.com kitchen to guarantee consistent results, even for novice cooks. With clear instructions and built-in tips, you’ll avoid common errors like over-salting or under-seasoning, making it a reliable staple for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Trust us—it’s the Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe that’ll become your family’s favorite.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For 1lb ground beef, this is the heart of the Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, providing rich protein and flavor that forms the base of the dish. Opt for high-quality, lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and enhance the overall taste without overwhelming the other ingredients. Its role is to brown and release savory juices that infuse the sauce, creating that comforting, meaty essence. If you’re watching your fat intake, a tested substitution is ground turkey, which offers a lighter texture while maintaining the hearty feel—just ensure it’s at least 93% lean to avoid drying out.

The 1 medium onion, chopped, adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that builds the flavor profile in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Fresh, yellow onions are best for their balance of sweetness and pungency, which mellows during sautéing to prevent bitterness. This ingredient helps create a flavorful base that ties everything together, enhancing the dish’s depth. For a milder option, substitute with shallots, which provide a subtler taste and work well if you’re sensitive to strong onions, but adjust quantities to maintain the same volume.

Two cloves of garlic, minced, bring a pungent, earthy note that elevates the entire Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe with their anti-inflammatory benefits and robust flavor. Always use fresh garlic for its superior taste and health perks over pre-minced versions, which can be overly processed. It sautéed with onions to release its oils, adding complexity to the sauce. A great substitution is garlic powder in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove—but fresh is ideal for that authentic punch.

The (15 oz) can of tomato sauce and (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes form the luscious, tangy backbone of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, providing acidity and moisture that balance the richness of the beef. Choose low-sodium, high-quality canned tomatoes to control salt levels and avoid metallic tastes. They create the signature sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. For a fresher twist, substitute with 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes, but add a bit more cooking time to break them down.

Two cups of beef broth add depth and liquid to this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly and the flavors meld. Use low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning, as it enhances the beef’s savoriness without overpowering. Its role is to create a stew-like consistency. A tested substitution is vegetable broth for a lighter version, which works well for vegetarians and keeps the dish moist.

Two and a half cups of elbow macaroni, uncooked, absorb the flavors and provide the comforting, chewy texture in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Choose a good-quality pasta that holds its shape to avoid mushiness. It soaks up the sauce for a satisfying bite. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with rice pasta, ensuring it’s cooked to al dente to match the texture.

One bell pepper, chopped, introduces a fresh, colorful crunch and vitamins to this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Select ripe, firm peppers for the best sweetness and texture. It adds visual appeal and nutrition. Substitute with zucchini for a lower-carb option, which blends seamlessly and maintains the vegetable’s role.

One teaspoon of paprika provides a smoky, slightly sweet spice that defines the authentic flavor in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Use high-quality, fresh paprika for its vibrant color and taste. It seasons the dish uniquely. Smoked paprika can substitute for a deeper flavor, ideal if you want a grilled essence.

One teaspoon of oregano lends an herby, Mediterranean touch to this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, enhancing the overall aroma. Fresh or dried oregano works, but dried is more convenient for this context. It balances the tomato’s acidity. Italian seasoning can be a substitute in a pinch, using about the same amount.

Salt and pepper, to taste, are essential for seasoning in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, allowing for personalized flavor adjustments. Use fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper for the best taste. They enhance all other ingredients without masking them. For low-sodium diets, herb-based salt alternatives can substitute effectively.

Shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for garnish add a cheesy, fresh finish to this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Choose sharp cheddar for its tangy contrast and fresh parsley for vibrancy. They elevate presentation and taste. Vegan cheese or cilantro can substitute for dietary needs, providing a similar visual pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Browning the Meat

In a large pot over medium heat, add the 1lb ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink and has developed a nice brown crust, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break it up with a spoon for even cooking and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, don’t rush this step—let the beef caramelize slightly to lock in juices, which enhances the overall richness of your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped medium onion and minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, releasing their natural sugars and oils into the mix.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the garlic can make it bitter, so keep the heat at medium and monitor closely—remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly to preserve its subtle flavor in your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

Stir in the 15 oz can of tomato sauce, 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of beef broth into the pot with the beef mixture. Add 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust seasonings early—this ensures a balanced flavor profile that’s key to a standout Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Step 4: Cooking the Pasta

Add the 2.5 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding too much liquid can make the pasta mushy, so stick to the measurements and check doneness after 15 minutes for the perfect texture in your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top, letting the cheese melt slightly from the residual heat before serving hot in bowls.

Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, let the goulash rest for 2-3 minutes after garnishing—this allows the cheese to integrate and enhances the comforting appeal of your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Serving & Presentation

To make your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe visually stunning, serve it in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful bell peppers and pasta. Layer a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, golden finish, and add a handful of fresh parsley for a pop of green that brightens the dish. For an impressive presentation, pair it with complementary sides like garlic bread for soaking up the sauce or a simple green salad to balance the heartiness. As a main course, it shines alongside roasted vegetables or crusty rolls, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For a Make-Ahead Strategy, prepare the beef, onions, and garlic up to 3 days in advance by browning them and storing in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, simply reheat in the pot and add the remaining ingredients to finish cooking, saving you time on busy evenings.

Storing Leftovers: Let the goulash cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Use shallow containers for even cooling to maintain the pasta’s texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: For optimal results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture, stirring gently. In the microwave, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to preserve the original tender texture and flavors of your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Print

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

• Author: Chef mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Dive into the coziness with this Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe, a timeless classic that brings the comforting flavors of home right to your table. It’s the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, all seasoned with a touch of nostalgia. Ideal for a family dinner or a hearty meal on a cool evening, this recipe is a warm hug served in a bowl.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1lb ground beef
• 1medium onion, chopped
• 2cloves garlic, minced
• 1(15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1(14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cupsbeef broth
• 5 cupselbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsppaprika
• 1 tsporegano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In alarge pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

---

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.To make this dish vegetarian, replace the beef with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and texture.

---

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5
• Fat: 22
• Carbohydrates: 35
• Protein: 25