Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: A Pioneer Woman Classic for Today's Kitchens

This hearty and comforting Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is a timeless dish that evokes the spirit of pioneer cooking, perfect for busy families and cozy weeknight dinners. Just like the resourceful pioneer woman, this recipe is all about simplicity, affordability, and delicious, satisfying flavors. Ground beef and tender macaroni are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a one-pot meal that’s both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What is Old Fashioned Goulash? A Taste of Pioneer Comfort Food

American Goulash, often referred to as old fashioned goulash, is a comforting casserole-style dish, not to be confused with Hungarian Goulash, which is more of a soup or stew. This pioneer woman style goulash is a testament to resourceful cooking, utilizing simple pantry staples to create a flavorful and filling meal. It’s the kind of recipe passed down through generations, reminiscent of simpler times and hearty family dinners around a crackling stove. This dish embodies the spirit of the pioneer woman – practical, resourceful, and focused on creating delicious meals with readily available ingredients.

This Old Fashioned Goulash Pioneer Woman recipe is incredibly versatile and budget-friendly, making it ideal for feeding a large family or for meal prepping throughout the week. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the nostalgic flavors that remind us of home-cooked comfort. It’s a dish that truly stands the test of time, just like the enduring spirit of the pioneer woman.

Ingredients for Your Old Fashioned Goulash

To create this old fashioned goulash pioneer woman recipe in your own kitchen, you’ll need these simple, wholesome ingredients:

Onion: Yellow or white onion provides a foundational savory flavor.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and classic goulash flavor. Feel free to use other colors if preferred.
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, providing protein and hearty flavor.
Garlic: Essential for aromatic depth.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich, tomato base of the goulash.
Diced Tomatoes: Petite diced tomatoes are recommended for a finer texture, but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient for umami depth and complexity.
Seasoned Salt: For overall seasoning and flavor enhancement.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a warm, herbaceous note to the dish.
Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle, aromatic layer during simmering.
Dry Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta for goulash, but other small pasta shapes can be substituted.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar, stirred in at the end, adds creamy richness and a comforting finish.

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash: Pioneer Woman Style

Making this old fashioned goulash pioneer woman recipe is as straightforward as pioneer cooking itself. Follow these simple steps:

Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with diced onion and green bell pepper over medium-high heat. Be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Build the Tomato Sauce Base: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, adding layers of flavor to the base of your goulash.
Season and Simmer: Add seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently. This allows the pasta to cook in the flavorful sauce and the flavors to meld together beautifully, reminiscent of slow cooking over a pioneer stove. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cheese and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting old fashioned goulash pioneer woman creation!

Tips and Variations for Your Pioneer Goulash

Embrace the resourceful spirit of the pioneer woman and adapt this goulash recipe to your own tastes and pantry staples:

Pasta Variety: While macaroni is classic, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells.
Leaner Protein: For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
Vegetable Boost: Just like a resourceful pioneer, add extra vegetables! Corn, peas, diced carrots, green beans, or even spinach stirred in at the end can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
Creamier Goulash: For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the very end.
Soupier Consistency: If you prefer a soupier goulash, simply add an extra cup or two of beef broth.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, reflecting the bold flavors sometimes found in pioneer cooking.

This old fashioned goulash pioneer woman recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of comforting history and resourceful home cooking. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity, flavor, and the enduring spirit of making delicious meals with what you have on hand. Perfect for any night of the week, this goulash is sure to become a family favorite, just like it would have been for a pioneer family.

Print Recipe

Easy Goulash Recipe

This Ground Beef Goulash Recipe is a quick and easy one pan dinner that’s pure comfort food.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10

Calories: 388 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 lbs ground beef, lean
3 tsp garlic, minced
2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
3 bay leaves
2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and ground beef and cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and return pot to stovetop. Add garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and dried macaroni noodles. Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a light boil and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cheddar cheese just before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: Classic, Comfort, Goulash, Ground Beef, Pasta

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe: A Pioneer Woman Classic for Today’s Kitchens