This classic Pioneer Woman Goulash recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s hearty style, this goulash is a satisfying blend of ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Goulash Special?
Pioneer Woman recipes are known for their generous portions, comforting flavors, and straightforward approach – and this goulash is no exception. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes the warmth of home cooking. This American-style goulash is different from Hungarian goulash, focusing on ease and family-friendly appeal. It’s a one-pot dish that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.
What sets this Pioneer Woman Goulash apart is its simplicity without compromising on taste. It uses readily available ingredients and a no-fuss cooking method that even beginner cooks can master. The result is a deeply flavorful, hearty dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Think of it as a nostalgic throwback to childhood dinners, but elevated with quality ingredients and a touch of Ree Drummond’s signature flair.
Pioneer Woman Goulash Ingredients: Your Shopping List
To create this comforting Pioneer Woman Goulash, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing a rich, meaty base. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
- Onion: Adds a foundational savory flavor. Yellow or white onions are both suitable.
- Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch, enhancing the texture.
- Garlic: Essential for aromatic depth, minced garlic infuses the dish with its pungent flavor.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The tomato base creates the signature tangy and rich sauce. Petite diced tomatoes offer a smoother texture.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the beefy flavor profile of the goulash.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient for umami, adding complexity and depth to the sauce.
- Seasoned Salt & Italian Seasoning: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together, creating a balanced and delicious taste.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note during cooking, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor. Remember to remove them before serving.
- Macaroni Noodles: Classic small pasta that cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other small shapes like ditalini or small shells can also be used.
- Cheddar Cheese: Stirred in at the end for a creamy, melty finish, adding a comforting richness. Sharp cheddar provides a nice flavor contrast to the tomato base.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Goulash
Making Pioneer Woman Goulash is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect one-pot meal:
- Sauté the Vegetables and Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Garlic and Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step enhances the aromatic base of the goulash.
- Pour in the Tomato Base and Broth: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season and Simmer: Add seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir in the dry macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cheese it Up! Remove the bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This final touch adds a delightful richness and cheesy comfort.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle hot Pioneer Woman Goulash into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Pioneer Woman Goulash
- Use a Large Pot: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for families or leftovers. Ensure you use a pot large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni while simmering. Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Cook until just tender for the best texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or corn for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy and tangy variation.
- Leaner Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
- Leftovers are Delicious: Pioneer Woman Goulash is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Goulash
Pioneer Woman Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dinner with these serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas for extra vegetables.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread complements the hearty flavors of goulash perfectly.
Conclusion: Your New Family Favorite – Pioneer Woman Goulash
Pioneer Woman Goulash is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, easy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring this hearty classic to your table any night of the week. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends, this goulash recipe embodies the spirit of Pioneer Woman cooking – delicious, generous, and made with love. So gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-style comfort with this incredible Pioneer Woman Goulash recipe!
