Cozy Pioneer Woman Goulash Recipe: Simple Family Comfort

Let old fashioned goulash transport you to a cozy kitchen where comfort meets culinary magic.

Hearty and soul-warming, this dish weaves together robust flavors that whisper tales of generations past.

Tender meat mingles with rich spices, creating a symphonic blend that dances across your taste buds.

Rustic and unpretentious, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of home cooking.

Each spoonful carries the essence of traditional Hungarian cuisine, bursting with depth and character.

The aroma alone promises a feast that will wrap you in warmth and nostalgia.

Get ready to savor a meal that celebrates the pure, unapologetic joy of classic comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Onions: Choose firm, heavy bulbs with no soft spots or sprouting for the best sweet, mellow flavor.
• Garlic: Select plump, tight-skinned cloves without green shoots for robust, pungent notes.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin varieties with rich, fruity undertones to enhance overall dish depth.

• Ground Beef: Select 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for balanced moisture and rich, hearty taste.
• Beef Broth: Pick low-sodium versions to control salt levels and intensify natural meat flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Look for traditional aged varieties with complex, tangy undertones.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Choose brands with minimal additives and bright, fresh tomato essence.

• Seasoned Salt: Select blends with balanced herb and spice profiles for layered taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Pick mixes with vibrant, aromatic dried herbs like oregano and basil.
• Paprika, Black Pepper: Seek freshly ground options for maximum flavor punch.

• Elbow Macaroni: Select high-quality durum wheat pasta with smooth, consistent texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp, aged varieties for bold, tangy melting qualities.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil): Pick bright green, crisp leaves for vibrant garnish.

Kitchen Tools for Goulash

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for even heat distribution and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon: Sturdy utensil for stirring and breaking up ground beef without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for adding broth, sauce, and other liquid ingredients.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from browned meat.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for adding seasonings and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Serving Spoon: Helps plate the cheesy beef and macaroni dish.

Cooking Steps for Classic Goulash

• Kickstart the Flavor

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in onions and let them dance until they turn translucent and soft. Drop in garlic and let it sizzle, releasing its mouth-watering aroma for just a moment.

• Transform the Meat

Crumble ground beef into the pot, breaking it down with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns a deep brown, ensuring no pink remains. If grease pools, quickly drain it away.

• Build the Flavor Symphony

Pour in broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings – salt, Italian herbs, paprika, and pepper. Let everything bubble and blend for about 10 minutes, creating a rich, harmonious base.

• Pasta Magic

Add macaroni directly into the pot. Stir occasionally and let it cook until perfectly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Watch for that ideal al dente texture that makes every bite memorable.

• Cheese Finale

Pull the pot off the heat. Shower the top with shredded cheddar, stirring until it melts into a creamy blanket. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Flavor Ideas for Goulash Dish

Explore creative twists on this classic dish that will elevate your pasta experience.

Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a sharp white cheddar to add unexpected depth and richness to the recipe.

Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process for added color, texture, and health benefits.

Prepare the entire dish up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and restore the creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Goulash

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this hearty dish with warm, toasted garlic bread or a rustic sourdough slice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire meal.
• Create a Side Salad Companion: Toss together a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and add some refreshing crunch.
• Enjoy as Comfort Food Meal: Serve in deep bowls with an extra sprinkle of cheese and enjoy as a satisfying one-pot dinner that warms you from the inside out.

Storage Advice for Goulash Leftovers

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover beef macaroni in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal the dish tightly to maintain its delicious taste and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion the macaroni into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal that's ready when you need a quick dinner solution.
• Revive and Reheat: Warm refrigerated macaroni in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, preventing dry or rubbery texture.
• Smart Prep Techniques: Let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Use shallow containers for faster cooling and more even refrigeration, ensuring food safety and optimal taste preservation.

Hearty Goulash Pioneer Woman Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s old fashioned goulash blends hearty beef, tender noodles, and rich tomato sauce in a comforting midwestern classic. Families will savor this simple, nostalgic dish that quickly becomes a cherished meal you can’t wait to share.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 (15 oz / 443 ml) can of beef broth
• 1 (15 oz / 443 ml) can of tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz / 443 ml) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 2 tsps dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly without browning.
2. Brown Meat: Add ground beef, breaking into uniform crumbles. Cook until completely browned, tilting the pot to remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Build Flavor Profile: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant touch before serving hot.

Notes

• Meat Selection Tip: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and maintain a cleaner dish texture.
• Seasoning Strategy: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pot before adding liquid to enhance its aromatic compounds and deepen flavor profile.
• Pasta Precision: Stir macaroni frequently while cooking to prevent bottom-of-pot sticking and ensure uniform pasta doneness.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent potential graininess and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg