The Best Goulash Delight Recipe for Quick Comfort Food Magic

Hungarian goulash brings hearty comfort straight to your dinner table with its rich, soul-warming essence.

Robust spices dance through tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors that whisper tales of rustic kitchens.

Traditionally crafted with passionate care, this classic dish embodies culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Warm aromas will fill your home, promising a deeply satisfying meal that connects you to authentic European cooking.

Perfectly balanced between sophistication and simplicity, this recipe invites you to experience a culinary journey without complicated techniques.

Emotional and deeply nourishing, the meal promises to transport you to a world of pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Explore this extraordinary recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a timeless masterpiece.

All You Need to Know About Goulash Delight

• This goulash delivers intense, layered tastes with multiple seasonings like Italian and Adobo, creating a rich culinary experience in just one pot.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• The combination of melted cheddar and stretchy mozzarella transforms a simple meat and pasta dish into a luxurious, creamy comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults.
• From start to finish, this goulash takes under an hour to prepare, offering a hearty, satisfying dinner solution for families with limited time and big appetites.

Goulash Delight Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Meat: Hearty base for the goulash, providing rich flavor and protein.

• Garlic, Onions: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and meat, adding smooth texture and mild flavor.

• Water, Beef Broth: Create a savory cooking liquid that helps tenderize meat and develop complex flavors.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide tangy base and moisture for the goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs sauce and adds comforting texture.

• Italian Seasoning, Adobo Seasoning, Bay Leaves, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance overall taste profile.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Creamy, melty toppings that add richness and luxurious finish to the goulash.

Cooking Instructions for Goulash Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil

Sauté the vegetables with the meat until they become soft and translucent, releasing their wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Pour in Flavor Boosters

• Beef broth
• Water
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes

• Italian herbs
• Adobo seasoning
• Bay leaves
• Seasoned salt
• Cracked black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to create a rich, mouth-watering base.

Step 4: Slow Simmer

Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Pasta Magic

Pour in uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the sauce. Cover and continue simmering for 30 minutes, or until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Just before serving, top with fresh mozzarella to create a gooey, irresistible finish.

Pro Tips for Goulash Delight

• Meat Mastery: Brown the ground meat thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent a watery texture.
• Seasoning Symphony: Layer your seasonings gradually, tasting and adjusting to create a perfectly balanced goulash with complex flavor profiles.
• Pasta Precision: Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce to absorb the delicious liquid and prevent overcooking.
• Cheese Charm: Add mozzarella last to maintain its creamy, melty texture and prevent it from becoming tough or grainy.
• Simmer Secrets: Keep the lid slightly ajar during simmering to allow excess moisture to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Goulash Delight

• Refrigerate: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Pairing Suggestions for Goulash Delight

• Rustic Wine Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot, which complements the rich meat and tomato flavors while cutting through the cheesy richness.
• Crafty Beer Match: Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that stands up to the bold seasonings and meaty texture, enhancing the dish's deep, complex profile with its malty undertones.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the goulash's heaviness, adding a refreshing contrast that lightens the overall meal experience.
• Crusty Bread Accent: Include a warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing an extra layer of texture and allowing diners to enjoy every last bit of flavor.

Goulash Delight Variations to Explore

• Spicy Hungarian Goulash: Replace Italian seasoning with paprika and caraway seeds for an authentic Hungarian flavor profile. Add diced bell peppers and hot chili flakes to increase heat intensity.
• Mediterranean Lamb Goulash: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a richer taste. Include kalamata olives and fresh rosemary to enhance Mediterranean characteristics. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy finish.
• Vegetarian Comfort Goulash: Swap meat with plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Add extra mushrooms and zucchini for hearty texture. Include vegetable broth and smoked paprika to maintain depth of flavor.
• One-Pot Southwestern Goulash: Incorporate black beans, corn, and green chiles. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Season with cumin and chili powder to create a southwestern-inspired version of the classic recipe.

Common Questions About Goulash Delight

• Can I use different types of pasta for this goulash?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works great, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or shell pasta. Just ensure cooking times might slightly vary.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground meat like ground turkey or mix beef with ground pork. Generic cheese brands and buying seasonings in bulk can also help reduce costs.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to prevent dryness and restore creamy texture.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Ensure you maintain similar liquid proportions and adjust seasoning accordingly for the best flavor profile.

Goulash Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian goulash weaves comfort and tradition into a hearty one-pot marvel of tender beef, paprika-kissed sauce, and rustic vegetables. Simmered slowly with love, this classic dish invites travelers to savor Central European culinary warmth with each deeply satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 ½ cups (590 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) beef broth
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 (15-ounce) cans (850 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 (15-ounce) cans (850 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• ½ tablespoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups (180 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and transform the ground meat into a partially cooked state, ensuring it develops a rich, golden exterior.
2. Introduce fragrant garlic and crisp onions to the partially cooked meat, drizzling olive oil to enhance the sautéing process and complete the meat’s browning.
3. Cascade water, robust beef broth, tangy tomato sauce, and chunky diced tomatoes into the skillet, followed by a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, aromatic bay leaves, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Reduce the flame to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to meld its flavors for approximately 20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Gently fold uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the savory sauce.
6. Continue simmering, covered, for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta reaches a tender, al dente consistency.
7. Discard the bay leaves, then fold creamy cheddar cheese throughout the goulash, creating a rich, velvety texture.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella on top just before serving, allowing it to melt into irresistible, stringy perfection.

Notes

• Prepare ground meat at medium-high heat, ensuring it’s half-cooked before adding other ingredients for optimal flavor development.
• Garlic and onions create a robust base, enhancing the overall taste profile of this hearty one-pan meal.
• Seasoning blend includes multiple spices that complement each other, creating a rich and complex flavor experience.
• Pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious liquid and eliminating the need for separate pasta preparation.
• Bay leaves add depth and should be removed before serving to prevent accidentally biting into them.
• Cheese melting technique ensures a creamy, luxurious finish that elevates the entire dish’s texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg