This classic Pioneer Woman Goulash Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience a warm, flavorful meal that will bring everyone to the table, ready for seconds!
What is Pioneer Woman Goulash?
While often referred to as “American Goulash,” this dish shares little resemblance with its Hungarian namesake. Pioneer Woman Goulash, a term popularized by Ree Drummond, is a beloved American comfort food classic, known for its ease of preparation and kid-friendly flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and macaroni pasta in a tangy tomato sauce. Think of it as a hearty, deconstructed pasta dish that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly delicious. This recipe captures the essence of Ree Drummond’s approachable style, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
This Pioneer Woman inspired goulash is not just about ease; it’s about creating a flavorful, fulfilling meal with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of home-cooked goodness and family gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a goulash that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples.
- Kid-Approved: A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup for maximum convenience.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A truly comforting and filling dish.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
This recipe is designed to be your go-to for a quick, delicious, and no-fuss dinner. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Goulash
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting goulash:
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
- Onion: Adds a foundational aromatic sweetness. Yellow or white onions are excellent choices.
- Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet pepper flavor and a touch of color. Feel free to use other colors like red or orange for a sweeter taste.
- Garlic: Essential for a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a brighter tomato flavor. Petite diced tomatoes blend in nicely.
- Beef Broth: Provides moisture and deepens the beefy flavor of the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds umami and complexity to the sauce.
- Seasoned Salt: Simplifies seasoning and adds a balanced savory note.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the goulash with classic Italian-American flavors.
- Bay Leaves: Lends a subtle, fragrant aroma that enhances the depth of flavor during simmering. Remember to remove them before serving.
- Dry Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta shape for goulash. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells will also work well.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted into the goulash at the end, cheddar cheese adds a creamy, cheesy richness that complements the tomato-based sauce perfectly. Sharp cheddar provides a bolder flavor, but mild or medium cheddar are also great options.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Goulash
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman Goulash:
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables: 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: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
- Simmer with Pasta: Add dry macaroni noodles to the pot. Stir well to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cheese and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the goulash. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Delicious Variations
- Use a Large Pot: This recipe makes a generous amount, so ensure you have a pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have macaroni, feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or rotini.
- Leaner Protein: For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Boost the Veggies: Add extra vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Stir in frozen peas or corn towards the end of cooking. Diced carrots and zucchini can be sautéed with the onions and peppers.
- Creamier Goulash: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herbs and Freshness: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added freshness and visual appeal before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Goulash
Pioneer Woman Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrients and color.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with extra shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or hot sauce for everyone to customize their bowl.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Pioneer Woman Goulash recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
