Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe

Name: Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 Medium Yellow Onion (Diced); 3 Cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 Pound Ground Beef; 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste; One 15-Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes; One 15-Ounce Can Tomato Sauce; 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1 Cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth; 8 Ounces Cavatappi Pasta; 4 Ounces Sharp Cheddar (Shredded On The Large Holes Of A Box Grater (About 1 Cup), Plus More For Serving); 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (Plus More For Serving)

Recipe Pin

Bobby Flay Goulash is a recipe that is very near and dear to my heart. Growing up, we often had this because it is a one-pot recipe, super affordable, and you can toss in a bunch of leftovers to make a flavourful goulash.

So, what exactly is goulash? Goulash is a popular Hungarian meal, thicker than soup but not as dense as a stew. It is filled with slow-simmering veggies and beef. While many people confuse this as a stew, it is not because goulash has tons of spices in it, which traditional stews do not.

One of the reasons I love Bobby Flay’s Goulash recipe is that he uses very few spices. However, these spices hit the jackpot because when you taste them, you will find a beautiful assortment of flavours and not need anything else.

So, without further ado, let’s get into making goulash. If you are new to it, get excited rather than afraid because it will be worth the time and effort!

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Dutch Pot: I am using a Dutch pot to make this recipe, but you can use any heavy-bottom pan.
Spatula: To mix everything well, I am using a wooden spatula.
Bowls: To smooth the cooking process, I use small bowls to arrange all the ingredients neatly.

Bobby Flay Goulash Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: This recipe’s ingredients can serve up to 6 people. You can increase or decrease the quantities as required for more or fewer servings.

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Pound Ground Beef: I am using ground beef, but you can also use turkey or chicken for this recipe.
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
One 15-ounce Can Diced Tomatoes
One 15-ounce Can Of Tomato Sauce
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t have it? No problem, go for soy sauce instead.
1 Cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth
8 Ounces Cavatappi Pasta: Feel free to use pasta of your choice.
4 Ounces Sharp Cheddar, Shredded On The Large Holes Of A Box Grater (About 1 Cup), Plus More For Serving: You can also use parmesan or mozzarella cheese for this recipe.
2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley, Plus More For Serving

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
15 Minutes	30 Minutes	45 Minutes

How To Make Bobby Flay Goulash At Home

Step 1

Start by adding olive oil to a pan, then garlic and onions.

Step 2

Toss them together, and then add ground beef.

Step 3

Once it starts browning, you can add tomato paste to it.

Step 4

Further, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan.

Step 5

Follow it up with the beef broth.

Step 6

Let it all simmer at medium heat until the oil separates on the top.

Step 7

Once done, add the pasta to the pan.

Step 8

Finally, add cheese and parsley, and mix it all.

Step 9

The Bobby Flay Goulash is ready to serve.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

The first tip I have is to take a big pot. You do not want to use a small pot, regret it, and face issues while cooking, which can be highly troublesome.
With Bobby Flay Goulash and beef, you must let it simmer at low heat for a long time. High heat can ruin the dish’s texture and burn it on the inside while it is still raw.
After adding the beef, I like to break it up and stir it around until it is brown enough and has no bits of pink.
Since Bobby Flay’s Goulash uses beef, I am using it to make my goulash, but you can also make it with other kinds of protein, like chicken, pork, or a mix of both.
Traditional goulash has a stew-like consistency, so I like it thick. However, you can also achieve a soup-like consistency by adding more liquid.
After adding the pasta, I give it all a nice toss to absorb the gravy’s flavours.
Goulash needs to be simmered at low heat. If you rush the process, you can miss out on its flavours. Hence, I always like to keep the heat at medium so that all the ingredients cook correctly while maintaining an accurate taste profile.
The cheese also adds a great nutty flavour. So, do not compromise with cheese; use fresh cheese only. Pre-shredded cheese has preservatives, which will ruin the taste of the dish.
If you enjoy creamy dishes, add a gallop of sour cream at the end to make this dish creamier.
Adding cavatappi pasta is optional because most goulash recipes are served with beef. Adding pasta makes it more filling, but you can always skip that if you prepare it as a side dish for rice dishes.
Finally, a pro tip is to let the goulash sit for some time. This allows the flavours to blend in properly, enriching the dish.

FAQs About Bobby Flay Goulash Recipe

Why is your Bobby Flay Goulash meat so tough?

Your Bobby Flay Goulash meat can be tough if you have overcooked it. Overcooking causes the proteins in it to break, making it hard and unappetizing. Also, go for lean cuts of beef so that it is cooked perfectly and the results are tender rather than tough meat.

Can you use water instead of beef broth to make Bobby Flay Goulash?

No, I would not suggest using water since the beef used in this recipe absorbs the broth’s flavours, making it more flavorful. Plain water can make this dish bland. If you are not using beef broth, use high-quality vegetable and chicken broth, but remember that the taste will be very different. To experience something similar, you can mix steak and soy sauce if you don’t want to use beef stock.

How can you make your Bobby Flay Goulash more flavorful?

You can make Bobby Flay Goulash more flavourful by adding smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. To fix a bland Bobby Flay goulash, add more veggies like corn and peas. Try to go for high-quality beef stock and products so that your Bobby Flay Goulash does not turn out bland. Finally, adding fresh lime juice and herbs always fixes a bland goulash.

Can you make Bobby Flay Goulash ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Bobby Flay Goulash ahead of time. It stores well, so you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. However, do not make it 3-4 days prior, as the texture of the pasta ruins over time, which can destroy the real essence of the dish.

Why is your Bobby Flay Goulash dry, and how can you fix it?

Your Bobby Flay Goulash will dry if you have not used the right meat. Also, add enough liquid and cook your goulash at low heat since cooking it at high heat will cause the fluid to evaporate quickly, even before the beef is cooked. To fix this situation, add more liquid and let it simmer at medium heat to allow everything to cook correctly and achieve consistency.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

I know Bobby Flay Goulash tastes delicious, but unfortunately, it is not a healthy option. Being high in calories, this dish should be consumed in moderation. If you want to know about its nutritional value in-depth, then take a look at the chart below:

Calories	422 kcal
Total Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Sugar	7 g
Protein	22 mg
Cholesterol	58 mg
Sodium	764 mg

However, a good thing about this recipe is that it is entirely soy, nut, gluten, and dairy-free. Hence, people following those diets can have it without any restrictions. On the other hand, people following vegan, vegetarian, and keto diets can also have this, but they need to make certain modifications to it first.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Gluten-Free Diet: I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe when I want my Bobby Flay Goulash to be gluten-free. With this simple swap, you can enjoy gluten-free Goulash at home.

Storing & Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Countertop: After my Bobby Flay Goulash is ready, I do not leave it unattended on the counter for more than 2 hours. This is because goulash does not taste good when cold, and there is a high risk of spoilage.
Refrigeration: I like to cool my leftover Bobby Flay Goulash entirely before packing it in airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. However, I suggest you finish it as soon as possible, as the taste of the beef alters over time.
Freezing: You can also freeze your Bobby Flay Goulash for 2 months. Store it in airtight freezer-friendly bags and thaw them overnight before consumption.

Reheating

Skillet: Reheating Bobby Flay Goulash is easy using a skillet. I like to spread the leftovers on a skillet and heat them on low heat. Stir it occasionally until it is evenly warm enough. Add a little stock or liquid to prevent the goulash from drying out.
Microwave: If you are in a hurry, reheat Bobby Flay Goulash in a microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-friendly dish and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir it occasionally, and if more heat is needed, follow up with a 10-second increment.
Oven: When feeding a crowd, I like to reheat Bobby Flay Goulash in the oven. I transfer the leftovers to a baking dish and cover it with foil. After preheating my oven to 350 degrees F, I let the dish bake for 15-20 minutes and then serve it immediately.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Although Bobby Flay Goulash is a dish, I like to serve it with other accompaniments. My top choices include egg noodles. The flavours combined taste like heaven. Another of my top preferences is Mashed Potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes and the goulash complement each other.

If you want more carbs, you can also have it with Garlic Bread on the side. I also like to have Bobby Flay Goulash with brown rice or any kind of rice. If you are following a diet, you can also have it with quinoa.

Printable Version

More Bobby Flay Recipes That You Can Try

How To Make Guacamole In Bobby Flay Style — Bobby Flay Guacamole

Bobby Flay Caramelized Onion Dip — Bobby Flay Guacamole

Conclusion

Bobby Flay Goulash is a hearty and savoury dish loaded with chunky beef and veggies. It requires minimal cleanup and is ready within 30 minutes in a pot, which has been a saviour for so many of my busy nights.

Bobby Flay Goulash can be a weeknight dinner, a feast for crowd gatherings, and a good luck potluck dish. So, it has got you covered. Hopefully, you will try out this recipe and treat yourself to a comforting meal. If you do, let me know how it turned out in the comments below because I am never bored of hearing a goulash story.