Hearty Paula Deen Goulash Recipe Stewed for Rich Comfort

Goulash by Paula Deen whispers pure culinary magic through its rich, soul-warming essence.

This legendary one-pot wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that dances with flavor.

Tender beef mingles with robust spices, creating a symphony of comfort on your plate.

Each spoonful carries generations of hearty cooking traditions, promising a feast that transcends simple sustenance.

Fragrant and deeply satisfying, this recipe bridges the gap between rustic charm and gourmet delights.

Home cooks will fall in love with the simplicity and depth of this remarkable dish.

Get ready to experience a meal that hugs your taste buds and fills your heart with pure, delicious joy!

Directions for Cooking Paula’s Classic Goulash

• Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

Heat a large Dutch oven and drizzle in olive oil until it sizzles with anticipation. The kitchen will instantly come alive with delicious potential.

• Transform the Meat

Toss ground beef into the hot pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Let it dance and brown until every morsel turns a beautiful golden color with zero trace of pink. The searing creates an incredible flavor foundation.

• Build Your Flavor Symphony

Tumble in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Watch them soften and become translucent, releasing their magical aromas throughout the kitchen. These vegetables will create a robust base for your goulash.

• Create Liquid Magic

Pour in tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a splash of water. Sprinkle in a handful of herbs and spices – basil, oregano, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to dance and merge into a rich, complex sauce.

• Pasta Performance

Add elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling sauce. Cover and let everything cook together, transforming into a creamy, hearty masterpiece. The pasta will absorb all those incredible flavors as it becomes perfectly tender.

• Final Touch and Serve

Let the goulash rest briefly, allowing flavors to fully embrace each other. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience that will make everyone at the table smile.

Tips & Mix-Ins for a Better Goulash Dish

Mix in different ground meats like turkey or Italian sausage for unique flavor profiles and added protein variety.

Boost heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or increasing hot sauce quantity to match your personal spice tolerance.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan on top just before serving to create a melty, rich layer of deliciousness.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for quick weeknight meals that taste even better the next day.

Serving Up a Hearty Bowl of Goulash

• Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve this hearty goulash alongside thick slices of toasted garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, savory sauce.
• Sprinkle with Fresh Greens: Top the dish with vibrant chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire meal.
• Create a Cozy Dinner Spread: Complement the goulash with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the robust flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Cheese Delight: Offer grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on the side, allowing diners to customize their goulash with an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Goulash Leftovers

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover goulash in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The hearty blend of beef and pasta maintains its robust flavors when sealed properly.
• Freeze for Later: Portion cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers, where it can stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and comforting meal.
• Reheat with Care: Warm goulash slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's creamy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch and divide into individual servings for convenient grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays. These make-ahead portions save time and ensure delicious meals are always within reach.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Power Paula Deen’s Goulash

• Ground Beef: Choose lean cuts for less grease and richer flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for deeper, more robust taste sensation.

• Onion, Garlic: Pick firm, heavy bulbs without soft spots or sprouts for maximum zestiness.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Opt for fresh, vibrant herbs with strong fragrant notes.
• Garlic Powder: Seek brands with fine, consistent texture for even seasoning.

• Tomato Sauce, Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Look for brands with minimal additives and rich, concentrated tomato essence.
• Water: Use filtered for cleanest possible taste.
• Hot Sauce: Select according to personal heat preference, ranging from mild to scorching.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground options for most intense flavor burst.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green leaves without wilting for garnish pop.

Cooking Tools for Southern Goulash

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for even heat distribution and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
• Can Opener: Needed to open tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomato cans.
• Measuring Cup: Helps add the right amount of water to the recipe.
• Stirring Spatula: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and prevent sticking.
• Serving Ladle: Great for dishing out the hearty goulash.
• Parsley Chopper: Small knife or herb scissors for garnishing.

Hearty Paula Deen Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Easy Hungarian-inspired paula deen goulash combines hearty beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting pasta in one satisfying pot. Home cooks will savor this classic recipe that brings European flavor directly to your family table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) lean ground beef
• 3 cups (710 ml) water
• 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni
• 1 (29 oz / 822 g) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz / 411 g) cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 large chopped Vidalia onion
• 1 chopped red bell pepper
• 4 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsps Paula Deen Hot Sauce
• 2 tsps dried basil
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• parsley (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add ground beef. Break down the meat thoroughly while cooking until completely browned, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Add diced onions to the browned beef, sautéing until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, roughly 5 minutes.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour water, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes into the meat mixture, creating a vibrant and robust liquid base for the goulash.
4. Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle dried basil, oregano, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and develop a complex flavor profile.
5. Simmering Stage: Cover the Dutch oven and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, enabling the spices to meld and intensify the overall taste.
6. Pasta Integration: Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce, stirring to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
7. Final Cooking Phase: Continue simmering for 30 minutes, stirring periodically to guarantee uniform pasta cooking and flavor absorption.
8. Resting and Serving: Remove from heat and let the goulash rest for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Meat Browning Tip: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cracked and separated during cooking to achieve uniform texture and prevent clumping.
• Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust spices incrementally to balance flavors, as dried herbs can vary in intensity.
• Pasta Cooking Caution: Add macaroni directly into sauce to absorb maximum flavor, preventing separate cooking that could dilute the dish’s richness.
• Resting Importance: Allow goulash to rest after cooking, which helps sauce thicken and ingredients meld, creating deeper, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg