Easy Old Fashioned Goulash Pioneer Woman Recipe for Beginners

Old fashioned goulash carries the heartwarming essence of family-style comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Robust and soul-satisfying, this classic dish blends rustic charm with simple, wholesome elements that speak directly to your hunger.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

Each carefully combined component tells a story of traditional cooking passed through generations of passionate home chefs.

The magic happens when humble ingredients unite, transcending their individual characteristics into something truly remarkable.

Warm, filling, and deeply nostalgic, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooking wisdom.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness:

Why Pioneer Woman’s Goulash Brings Comfort

• Savor Quick Comfort: This Old Fashioned Goulash whips up in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families craving a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Experience Flavor Explosion: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika creates a rich, complex taste profile that elevates traditional ground beef dishes with layers of deep, memorable flavors.
• Enjoy Creamy Cheesy Goodness: Melting cheese directly into the sauce transforms this goulash into a luxuriously creamy one-pot wonder, adding a velvety texture and extra indulgence that makes every bite irresistibly comforting.
• Master Easy One-Pot Magic: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, promising a delicious meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients List for Goulash Delight

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Rich protein source with classic hearty flavor, best when lean for less grease.

Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs flavors and provides comforting texture, opt for standard elbow macaroni.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor boosters that create deep, savory base for the dish, fresh ingredients preferred.

Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Pepper: Signature spice blend that adds warmth and complexity, dried herbs work perfectly.

Seasoned Salt: Provides balanced saltiness and additional depth to the overall flavor profile.

Liquid and Sauce Components:

Beef Broth: Creates rich, meaty liquid base that adds extra depth to the goulash, low-sodium option recommended.

Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy, slightly sweet foundational sauce that helps create classic goulash consistency.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds subtle umami and complexity to the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Finishing Ingredients:

Cheese: Creamy element that melts and binds the dish together, sharp varieties recommended for more intense flavor.

Chopped Herbs: Optional fresh garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains. If excess grease accumulates, carefully drain using a colander.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoned salt
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Pour of uncooked elbow macaroni into the pot. Stir and cook for 12-14 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. Ensure the pasta reaches an al dente consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until completely melted and incorporated. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Flavor Tips for a Better Goulash

• Preserve Flavor Harmony: Leftovers taste even better as ingredients mingle and develop deeper taste profiles overnight.
• Customize Spice Adventure: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or increase black pepper for personalized heat levels that excite taste buds.
• Elevate Cheese Smoothness: Take pot off heat before adding cheese to create luxurious, creamy sauce without unwanted separation.
• Maximize Pasta Perfection: Gently stir macaroni during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure consistent, tender texture throughout.
• Unlock Seasoning Magic: Quickly toast paprika and Italian seasoning before adding liquids to release robust, intense flavor compounds.

Goulash Storage You Can Count On

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove all air from storage containers. Keep goulash perfectly preserved, preventing freezer burn and maintaining robust flavor profiles for up to 3 months. Invest in quality vacuum seal bags designed for hot foods to maximize ingredient integrity.
• Portioning Technique: Divide leftover goulash into individual serving sizes before storage. Smaller portions cool faster, reduce bacteria growth, and make reheating super convenient. Use clear meal prep containers with tight-fitting lids to track and manage leftovers easily.
• Moisture Control Strategy: Place a paper towel over the goulash before sealing the container to absorb excess moisture. This simple trick prevents soggy pasta and maintains the dish's original texture when reheating. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to 70°F to prevent bacterial growth and preserve optimal taste quality.

Tasty Goulash Variations to Try

• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Goulash: Swap ground beef for ground lamb. Incorporate oregano, mint, and feta cheese. Include kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Harvest Goulash: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Goulash: Replace macaroni with riced cauliflower. Reduce cooking time slightly. Sprinkle with extra sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying meal without the carbohydrates.

A Hearty End to Pioneer Goulash

Hearty pioneer woman goulash emerges as comfort cuisine perfection, blending robust beef, tender macaroni, and rich seasonings into one phenomenal meal.

Midwestern culinary heritage shines through each spoonful of this classic dish.

Family gatherings become magical moments when this recipe graces dinner tables across America.

Cheese melts luxuriously, creating silky sauce that coats each pasta morsel with savory brilliance.

Kitchen aromas promise deliciousness before first bite touches hungry palates.

Polish your culinary skills, savor each forkful, share this remarkable recipe with friends, tag fellow cooking enthusiasts, and spread goulash love across social media platforms – your delectable discovery awaits exploration.

Old Fashioned Goulash Pioneer Woman Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s Old Fashioned Goulash delivers hearty Hungarian comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Robust beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce create a nostalgic one-pot meal that will warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (15 ounces / 443 milliliters) can of beef broth
• 1 (15 ounces / 443 milliliters) can of tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounces / 443 milliliters) can of diced tomatoes

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or dill

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the onion mixture and cook for an additional 45-60 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence without allowing it to brown.
3. Add 1 pound (454 grams) of lean ground beef to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, which takes about 6-7 minutes.
4. If excess fat accumulates, carefully tilt the pot and use a spoon to remove the liquid, ensuring a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
5. Pour in 2 cups (480 milliliters) of beef broth, 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) of tomato sauce, and 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) of diced tomatoes. Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
6. Incorporate 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
8. Introduce 2 cups (227 grams) of uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Once the pasta reaches al dente consistency, remove the pot from heat and fold in 2 cups (226 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a bright, herbaceous finish before serving hot.

Notes

• Transforms basic ground beef into a memorable, crowd-pleasing dish everyone will request again.
• Offers a balanced combination of protein, pasta, and robust tomato sauce that fills hungry bellies.
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying in under an hour.
• Freezes beautifully for future meals, making meal prep a breeze for busy households.
• Incredibly forgiving recipe that welcomes personalization with different cheese or seasoning options.
• Works wonderfully as a complete meal that feeds a hungry family with minimal cleanup.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg