Pioneer Woman's Goulash Recipe

Pioneer Woman's goulash recipe is a delicious blend of ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and Parmesan for a delicious pasta dish. Here is some information about how to make it as well as some recipes for some goulash variations.

What is Goulash?

Goulash (or goulash soup) is a tasty beef stew (or soup) flavored with paprika. Making it involves simmering chunks of beef, onions, and tomatoes in a savory beef broth. Hungarian goulash can also be baked rather than simmering it on the stove.

Pioneer Woman's Goulash Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ whole large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon (generous) ground thyme
• 2 (14 ounce) cans of whole tomatoes
• ¼ to ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds rigatoni

How to Make Pioneer Woman's Goulash

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot set over medium-low heat.

2. Cook the onion for a couple of minutes, until it begins to turn translucent. 

3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure not to brown it.

4. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned. 

5. Drain off most of the excess fat. 

6. Season the mixture with the salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring well. 

7. Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice. 

8. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. 

9. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

10. Follow the directions on the package for preparing the rigatoni. Be careful not to overcook it! Once cooked, drain and divide between bowls.

11. Add ¼ to ½ cup grated Parmesan to the sauce. 

12. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. 

13. Serve the pasta topped with the sauce and sprinkle with more Parmesan.

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Pioneer Woman’s Goulash Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Pioneer Woman’s goulash recipe is a delicious blend of ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and Parmesan for a delicious pasta dish. Here is some information about how to make it as well as some recipes for some goulash variations.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ whole large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon (generous) ground thyme
• 2 (14 ounces) cans of whole tomatoes
• ¼ to ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds rigatoni

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot set over medium-low heat.
2. Cook the onion for a couple of minutes, until it begins to turn translucent. 
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure not to brown it.
4. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned. 
5. Drain off most of the excess fat. 
6. Season the mixture with the salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring well. 
7. Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice.
8. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. 
9. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Follow the directions on the package for preparing the rigatoni. Be careful not to overcook it! Once cooked, drain and divide between bowls.
11. Add ¼ to ½ cup grated Parmesan to the sauce. 
12. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. 
13. Serve the pasta topped with the sauce and sprinkle with more Parmesan.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1064Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 413mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 76g

Where is Goulash Originally From?

In Central Europe and other parts of Europe, goulash is identified as being from Hungary. The dish is a national dish of Hungary and a symbol of the country.

The stew originated with stews eaten by Hungarian shepherds in the 9th century. The meat was cooked and flavored, then dried in the sun and packaged in bags made of sheep's stomachs, needing only water to make it into a meal. As paprika was not introduced to the Old World until the 16th century, earlier versions of goulash did not contain it.

Why is American Goulash Different?

American goulash is usually a stew but sometimes it is also baked as a casserole.

Goulash is very popular in different parts of the world and are varied. For example, some versions in the U.S. include beef while others include other types of meat.

What is American Goulash Made Of?

While goulash originally includes beef braised in a flavorful sauce, basic ingredients for American goulash now typically include elbow noodles, ground beef, and tomatoes in some form, such as canned whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and/or tomato paste.

What is the Difference Between Spaghetti and Goulash?

Spaghetti contains some similar ingredients to American goulash. However, in the case of spaghetti, the pasta and sauce are cooked separately and then combined when serving. In contrast, goulash is made by cooking the pasta and sauce together in a saucepan.

Beef Goulash Recipe

This ground beef goulash recipe is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that's pure comfort food.

Beef Goulash Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 3 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce
• 2 15 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Beef Goulash

1. Add olive oil to a large saucepan set over high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and ground beef, and cook until no longer pink. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and dried pasta. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove the bay leaves and add the cheddar cheese before serving. Enjoy!

American Goulash Recipe

This is a delicious and easy one-pot dinner recipe that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and tons of flavor!

American Goulash Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups water
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make American Goulash

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef, and brown for 10 minutes, crumbling the beef with a wooden spoon during cooking. Add the onions and peppers and continue cooking, while stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the pasta, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the pasta, cover with the lid, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until the pasta is done. Remove from the heat.
4. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve it with a green salad and garnish it with fresh parsley.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Old goulash is a simple and delicious recipe of ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, as well as an easy weeknight dinner.

Old-Fashioned Goulash Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 yellow onion, cut into cubes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 14.5 ounce cans chopped tomatoes with juice
• 2 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tsps low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
• 2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni

How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash

1. Heat a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. When it is hot, add the oil and ground beef or turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown, about 10 minutes. Remove some of the excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring continuously.
3. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, soy sauce, seasoning salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well.
4. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once in awhile.
5. Add the macaroni, cover, and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until the pasta is done.
6. Remove and discard the bay leaves, then serve.

Spicy Goulash Recipe

This is an easy spicy goulash recipe made from lean ground beef, some fresh vegetables, and of course many spicy seasonings such as chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and much more.

Spicy Goulash Ingredients

• 1 Ib lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 4 cans (14-½ ounces each) Mexican diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

How to Make Spicy Goulash

1. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink, crumbling the beef with a spatula. Move to size 5 qt. slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, beans, water, onions, green peppers, vinegar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and seasonings.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until heated through.
3. Stir in the macaroni, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes or until the pasta is done.

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Hungarian goulash is dish with cubes of stewing beef in a paprika-spiced beef gravy. It is a delicious dish that is warm and comforting.

Hungarian Goulash Ingredients

• 2 teaspoon butter or lard
• 2 medium onions
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoon paprika
• 1 ½ Ib stewing beef trimmed and cut into 1" cubes
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ½ cup carrots, optional
• 3 cups potatoes, optional

How to Make Hungarian Goulash

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook them until they are transparent. Stir in the caraway and paprika until combined.
2. In a bowl, coat the beef with the flour. Add beef to the saucepan and brown it for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the broth, tomatoes, salt and pepper, and the carrots and potatoes if using.
4. Stir and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer; cook for 1-2 hours or until tender.

Classic Goulash Recipe

Easy recipe for making a classic goulash.

Classic Goulash Ingredients

• 2 Ib lean ground beef
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 cups water
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, or to taste
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

How to Make Classic Goulash

1. Cook and stir ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 10 minutes. 
2. Remove excess fat and stir in the onions and garlic. 
3. Cook and stir the meat mixture until the onions are translucent for another 10 minutes.
4. Stir the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoned salt into the meat mixture and bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Toss the pasta into the mixture; cover and simmer until pasta is cooked, while stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. 
7. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaves, and serve.

Goulash Recipe Expert Tips

• Good tomatoes: Good tomatoes make all the difference to goulash. Low-quality canned tomatoes tend to be slightly acidic, so if necessary, add a teaspoon or two of sugar to counteract it.
• Freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated cheese has a layer of cellulose to prevent it from clumping together. As a result, it does not melt well or smoothly. Instead, you can freshly grate cheese to include in your goulash.
• Frying spices: Before adding tomatoes and tomato sauce, fry spices with meat and vegetables. This helps intensify the flavors, so don't rush or skip this step.
• If you have extra time, let the meat sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Although completely optional, it intensifies the flavors and results in a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• Flavor Variations: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, minced pork, or Italian sausage.

Can You Freeze Goulash?

Yes! To freeze it, simply place the goulash in a 9" x 13" baking dish. Then, cover it with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Then, you can freeze it for up to two months.

When you want to reheat the goulash, you should thaw it first. Then, to reheat it, bake it uncovered in a 350 F oven for 30-40 minutes, until fully heated through.

Meat sauce and noodles don't freeze and thaw well together as the noodles can become mushy. As a result, consider freezing the meat sauce separately. To freeze it, allow the meat sauce to cool completely and then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Date and label the container with the freezer date. When you're ready to eat the goulash, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stovetop before eating. You may need to add a little water or tomato sauce when reheating.

How Long is Cooked Goulash Good For?

• Room Temperature: You can keep this at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it must be cooled.
• In the Fridge: Leftovers can be kept for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze pasta for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add some water to the goulash.

How Do You Store Leftover Goulash?

Cooked and cooled leftover goulash can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to use glass containers instead of plastic. Then, when you are ready to reheat it, you can simply put it in the microwave to heat it up! If you're adding pasta, you can add a little tomato sauce or water so that it cooks properly.

How to Reheat Goulash on the Stovetop

If you choose to reheat the goulash on the stovetop, use a small saucepan, cover it, and heat the goulash over low heat. If the goulash looks like it might benefit from a little more moisture, you can add a small amount of broth or even some pasta sauce.

How to Reheat Goulash in the Microwave

If you reheat goulash in the microwave, I always recommend covering it with a plate or paper towel (it will splash) and heating it on 50% power until heated through.

What Side Dishes Go with Goulash?

Salads, baguette, and toasted white bread are all excellent sides to serve with goulash. You can also serve goulash with roasted vegetables such as carrots and asparagus. Additionally, cheese curds, mozzarella cheese sticks, and all types of snacks go well with goulash.

Here is a list of side dishes that go well with goulash:

• Costco's Bibigo Dumplings
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Quinoa Salad
• Tyson's Honey Battered Chicken Tenders
• Tyson's Popcorn Chicken
• Asparagus and Carrots
• Baked Eggplant Sandwich
• Boom Boom Shrimp