When you think of goulash, what comes to mind? You might picture a hearty dish that warms you up, but there's so much more to investigate. From the rich, traditional Hungarian version to the quicker American-style variant, each recipe has its own unique twist. If you're looking for a meatless option or perhaps something that simmers gently in a slow cooker, you're in luck. Let's take a closer look at these five goulash recipes and discover which one could become your new favorite.
Traditional Hungarian Goulash
Traditional Hungarian goulash is a hearty and comforting stew that hails from Hungary, known for its rich flavors and tender meat. This dish combines beef, vegetables, and a variety of spices, particularly paprika, which gives it that distinctive taste and color.
Often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or dumplings, traditional goulash is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 6 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To make traditional Hungarian goulash, start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, and caraway seeds, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the beef cubes to the pot, browning them on all sides.
Once the meat is browned, add the bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
When cooking traditional Hungarian goulash, it's important to use high-quality paprika for the best flavor. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the cooking process.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove some of the broth towards the end of cooking and let it reduce further. Goulash is often even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld overnight!
American-Style Goulash
American-style goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce into a satisfying one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized with your favorite spices and vegetables.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking time make it a favorite among families looking for a delicious dinner option that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese for topping (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot, stirring until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the pot.
You can also incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the goulash to simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
Feel free to make this dish ahead of time; it reheats well and tastes even better the next day!
Vegetarian Goulash
Vegetarian goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the comforting essence of traditional goulash without the meat. This recipe features a medley of vegetables, spices, and pasta, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. With the perfect blend of paprika and other spices, this dish is sure to warm you up and fill you up.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips
For added flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pot. This will improve their sweetness and depth.
You can also substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms or spinach, to customize the dish to your taste.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of plant-based cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Enjoy your delicious vegetarian goulash!
Slow Cooker Goulash
Slow cooker goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. This one-pot meal combines tender beef, flavorful spices, and vegetables, all simmered together to create a deliciously thick and satisfying stew.
The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess fat.
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the macaroni is tender and the flavors have melded together.
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a creamy finish.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider browning the vegetables along with the beef before adding them to the slow cooker.
This can improve the general taste of the goulash. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms according to your preference.
If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked beef or even substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to guarantee your goulash is perfectly seasoned!
One-Pot Goulash Recipe
One-Pot Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that combines pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a filling and flavorful dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, elbow macaroni, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the ground beef.
You can also customize your goulash by adding vegetables like zucchini or corn, or by using different types of pasta.
If you prefer a spicier kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.