The Pioneer Woman’s Goulash is a classic dish that is sure to please with its hearty flavor, generous portion size, and low difficulty level. This dish has been modified over time from its original Hungarian form to accommodate a variety of tastes. Ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings come together in the Pioneer Woman’s version to make a hearty and delicious meal.
The Pioneer Woman’s Goulash recipe is a safe bet for any occasion, from a cozy night in with the family to a communal meal with friends.
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What Is Goulash
Goulash, a traditional dish of Hungary, is a hearty stew made with beef or pork, onions, peppers, and paprika. In the 9th century, Hungarian shepherds used large pots and cooked the dish over open fires, establishing the dish’s long history. Since then, goulash has spread throughout Central Europe, spawning numerous regional variants. It is usually served with potatoes, noodles, or bread, and a sour cream topping is often added.
The word “goulash” has been appropriated by American cooks to describe a dish very similar to their own, one that typically features ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce.
What Is The Difference Between Hungarian Goulash And Regular Goulash?
Traditional Hungarian goulash is a stew made with chunks of beef or pork, while regular American goulash is a dish made with ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce. The two recipes vary in the kind of meat used and the other ingredients called for.
What Is The Difference Between Goulash And Stroganoff?
The main differences between the two dishes are the type of meat used (chunks vs. strips), the type of sauce used (paprika-based vs. sour cream-based), and the specific seasonings and ingredients used. While both dishes are hearty and flavorful stews, they have distinct tastes and are often served with different side dishes.
People in the South of the United States often call goulash “American goulash” or just “goulash.” It is also called “Johnny Marzetti” sometimes.
What Is Traditionally Eaten With Goulash?
Goulash is traditionally eaten with potatoes, bread, or noodles. It is often eaten with csipetke or boiled potatoes in Hungary, but spaetzle in other Central European nations. In the United States, bread is frequently eaten alongside goulash, and some recipes for the meal even contain potatoes or other vegetables.
Pioneer Woman Goulash Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🔪How To Make Pioneer Woman Goulash
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef with the garlic and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and cook until they are softened and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil again.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked to your liking.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash and let it melt. Serve hot and enjoy!
What Cut Of Meat Is Best For Pioneer Woman Goulash?
Stewing beef, such as chuck or round, is excellent for goulash. The meat is tenderized and the flavors of the other components are enhanced by the lengthy, slow cooking process.
Generally, goulash made with chunks of beef or pork takes around 2-3 hours of simmering, while goulash made with ground beef takes around 30-45 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use good quality beef: The quality of beef can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the goulash. Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast or stew meat for best results.
- Brown the beef well: When browning the beef, make sure to cook it until it is well browned on all sides. This will add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Don’t skimp on the onions: Onions are a key ingredient in goulash and provide a lot of flavor. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of onions in this recipe.
- Use a good quality canned tomato product: Since canned tomatoes are a key ingredient in this dish, it’s important to use a good quality product. Look for canned tomatoes that are packed in their own juice or puree for the best flavor.
- Let it simmer: Goulash benefits from a long, slow simmering time, which allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. Plan to simmer the dish for at least 2 hours.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the goulash as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt or pepper depending on your taste preferences.
What To Serve With Goulash?
Goulash is a hearty, savory dish that can be eaten alone or with sides. Here are some goulash sides:
- Garlic bread or crusty bread: Serve some warm garlic bread or crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
- Roasted vegetables: Roast some vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini for a colorful and healthy side dish.
- Mashed potatoes or rice: Goulash goes well with starchy sides like mashed potatoes or rice, which can help soak up the sauce.
- Pickles: Pickles can be a great tangy and crunchy accompaniment to goulash.
How To Store Leftovers Goulash
- Refrigerator: Allow the goulash to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: To freeze the goulash, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
How To Reheat Goulash
- Stovetop: Transfer the goulash to a saucepan and reheat over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the goulash in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the goulash to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Slow cooker: Transfer the goulash to a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
List Of Best Goulash Recipes:
There are many variations of goulash recipes that differ from country to country, region to region. Here is a list of best goulash recipes that you need to try:
Try More Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Dip Pioneer Woman
- Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas Pioneer Woman
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Pioneer Woman Goulash Nutrition Fact
| Nutritional Information for Pioneer Woman Goulash | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 204 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 44mg |
| Sodium | 779mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Vitamin A | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 4% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 6% |
