Easy Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe: Rich, Hearty Comfort Food

Goulash represents a comforting culinary tradition that warms hungry hearts with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Hearty meals often tell stories of cultural heritage and family connections through simple, robust ingredients.

Robust cooking techniques transform ordinary components into something extraordinary and deeply memorable.

Passionate chefs understand how strategic seasoning can elevate a basic dish into a remarkable dining experience.

Tender meat and savory vegetables create a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal complicated preparation.

Hungarian-inspired comfort food brings people together around steaming plates of deliciousness: prepare to fall in love with this soul-satisfying meal.

Why Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe is a Hearty Comfort Classic

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Bobby Flay's goulash recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying dinner in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy families wanting a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Packed with Flavor Layers: The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and cheddar cheese creates a rich, complex taste profile that makes every spoonful exciting and comforting.
• One-Pot Wonder: This goulash eliminates multiple dirty dishes by cooking everything in a single pot, from browning the beef to simmering the noodles, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious time after dinner.
• Customizable Comfort Food: The recipe allows easy modifications like switching protein types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and family tastes.

Key Ingredients for Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish. Lean ground beef works best to minimize excess fat.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, savory liquid base for the goulash.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Classic flavor base that provides sweetness and texture. Fresh, crisp vegetables enhance the overall taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor and depth to the meat mixture.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta that absorbs flavors and provides hearty texture. Traditional elbow macaroni works perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and melts beautifully into the goulash. Sharp cheddar provides the best taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Petite Diced Tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy base that adds moisture and bright tomato flavor.
• Water: Helps cook the pasta and adjust the overall consistency of the dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep, umami flavor and enhances the meat's richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian flavors.
• Seasoned Salt: Provides balanced seasoning and enhances overall taste.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal notes and depth to the goulash. Removed before serving.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing sticking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Base

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Green bell pepper

Cook while stirring occasionally until beef is completely browned.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

Carefully remove any excess fat from the pot, keeping the beef and vegetable mixture in place.

Step 3: Enhance With Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pot. Stir into the beef mixture and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Foundation

• 2 cans tomato sauce
• 2 cans petite diced tomatoes

Stir thoroughly to combine with the beef mixture.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoned salt
• Italian seasoning

Stir until well incorporated.

Step 6: Introduce Pasta Elements

• Uncooked macaroni noodles
• Water
• 3 bay leaves

Stir completely to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a light simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 8: Remove Seasoning Leaves

Take out the 3 bay leaves and discard them from the pot.

Step 9: Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash. Stir until cheese melts completely.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Dish out this amazing goulash and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Pro Tips for Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe

• Boost Spiciness: Sprinkle chili powder or red pepper flakes to elevate the heat and create a fiery goulash that tingles your taste buds.
• Pasta Personality: Experiment with shell or penne pasta to transform the dish's texture and add an unexpected twist to the classic recipe.
• Plant-Powered Option: Substitute ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Cheese Adventure: Ditch cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack to introduce a new cheese profile that melts perfectly into the goulash.
• Herb Enhancement: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Keep Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe Fresh

• Freezer Storage: Flash-freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick, convenient meals. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor intensity.
• Cool-Down Method: Let the goulash reach room temperature naturally before storing. Never place hot food directly into refrigerator or freezer, as this can create condensation and compromise food safety and texture.
• Long-Term Preservation: Label containers with date and contents using waterproof markers. Vacuum-seal bags work exceptionally well for preventing air exposure and maintaining the goulash's rich taste and tender meat quality for extended periods.

Creative Variations on Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe

• Spicy Hungarian Style: Kick up the heat by adding 2 tbsp of hot paprika and a diced jalapeño pepper during the meat cooking stage. Incorporate Hungarian-style sausage for an authentic flavor boost.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with dried oregano and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar. Include kalamata olives and roasted red peppers for a Greek-inspired profile. Use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
• Southwestern Comfort: Mix in corn kernels and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder to enhance the southwestern flavor. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Bobby Flay’s Goulash Recipe: A Meal to Warm Your Soul

Bobby Flay’s goulash masterpiece emerges as comfort cuisine perfection.

Hearty beef, aromatic seasonings, and tender noodles create culinary magic in one pot.

Cheese melts luxuriously across rich layers of flavor, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals.

Hungarian-inspired techniques shine through carefully balanced spices and textures.

Goulash becomes more than sustenance – it connects generations through shared culinary experiences.

Check out this recipe, share its deliciousness across social media, and let fellow cooking enthusiasts savor each incredible detail you discover.

Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bobby Flay’s goulash brings Hungarian culinary tradition to life with robust beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting pasta. Hearty flavors merge in this classic one-pot meal that invites you to savor authentic European comfort cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) of lean ground beef
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) of beef broth

Vegetables and Base:

• 1 cup (150 grams) of onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans of tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans of petite diced tomatoes
• 3 teaspoons (15 grams) of garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups (190 grams) of macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 1 cup (100 grams) of cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) of water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized pot and warm it over medium-high heat, drizzling 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil across the surface.
2. Introduce ground beef, finely chopped onions, and diced green bell peppers into the pot. Sauté the mixture, periodically stirring, until the meat transforms to a rich brown and loses its raw pink appearance.
3. Eliminate any surplus fat accumulated during cooking, then return the pot to medium heat.
4. Incorporate 3 teaspoons (15 grams) of minced garlic, folding it thoroughly into the meat mixture. Allow the garlic to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds, taking care to prevent burning.
5. Pour in 2 cans of tomato sauce and 2 cans of petite diced tomatoes, blending them meticulously with the meat mixture.
6. Introduce 3 cups (720 milliliters) of beef broth, 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of seasoned salt, and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of Italian seasoning. Whisk the ingredients until harmoniously combined.
7. Gently fold 2 cups (180 grams) of uncooked macaroni noodles into the pot. Supplement with 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water to facilitate noodle cooking and nestle 3 bay leaves into the mixture for enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the goulash to develop, stirring intermittently, for approximately 20 minutes or until noodles reach perfect tenderness and most liquid has been absorbed.
9. Extract and discard the bay leaves, ensuring they do not remain in the final dish.
10. Moments before serving, cascade 1 cup (100 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, stirring until the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy texture.
11. Transfer to serving dishes and relish the comforting, hearty meal you’ve crafted.

Notes

• Prep ahead by chopping vegetables and measuring spices to streamline your cooking process.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop even more intensely.
• Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals that taste just as delicious as the first serving.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option without losing flavor.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to round out this hearty one-pot wonder.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 504 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 894 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg