Recipe: Venison North American Goulash

by
posted on May 8, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
recipe-venison-north-american-goulash_lead.jpg

Is it soup, stew, casserole or just simple comfort food? There is often confusion around goulash. European and North American recipes are not even close to being the same dish. The European goulash includes stewing meat, onions and lots of paprika and is Hungary's national dish. The North American version, for most of us, is like the original Hamburger Helper.

North American goulash is easy to make, a fabulous way to use ground venison and is a quick fix for lunch, dinner or hunting camp. The ingredients can be altered for preferences and palates around the table. I love adding diced jalapeno, and some like to include sugar to make the dish sweet.

Peas or corn can also be added, which increases the confusion of whether the dish is a soup, stew or casserole. Hungarian goulash is typically considered a stew. However, the North American goulash is best described as a one-skillet dinner or casserole. 

Ingredients
• 2 Tbsp olive Oil
• 2 lbs. ground venison
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 - 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 - 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1- 10.5 oz. can Rotel
• 1 - 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp seasoned salt (Bearded Butcher Original or Cajun work great)
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups frozen peas or corn (optional)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Directions
1. Heat a Camp Chef Dutch oven or stockpot on med-high heat. Add the oil and the ground venison. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the meat starts to brown, add the diced onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Rotel, tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and spices. Stir well.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in the macaroni noodles (uncooked), cover, cook for 20-25 minutes, or wait until the pasta is almost tender. Add the frozen vegetables and cook 5 minutes. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted.

5. Remove and discard bay leaves, and serve hot.

For more delicious wild-game recipes, click here. 

Latest

Photo 01 Lead
Photo 01 Lead

North Fork Bullets: The Reintroduction of an Icon

Fans of hard-hitting hunting bullets rejoice! North Fork bullets is back and action, and better than ever. Phil Massaro breaks down the latest from this storied company.

First Look: Ol' Man Outdoors Clamp Down Jaw and Stabilizer Truss Systems

Ol'Man Outdoors, has introduced two advanced technologies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of ladder stands. The Clamp Down Jaw System securely locks the ladder stand to a tree before a hunter ever leaves the ground, while the Stabilizer Truss System enhances ladder stability, provides more tree options and eliminates unwanted noise.

New World Screwworm Closing the Gap to the Border

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in April that the New World Screwworm (NWS) is closer to the Texas border than ever before in this latest outbreak. On April 20 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned, “The threat of the New World screwworm is creeping dangerously close to our border. A confirmed case in Nuevo León, just about 60 miles from the United States, in a young calf is a flashing red warning sign we will not ignore.”

10mm Auto Pistol Caliber Carbines: The 'Best' Outdoor Option?

Last year we posed the question, "Is the 10mm Auto PCC the next great outdoor carbine?" while taking a look at a few of the models currently in production. Since then, the selection has continued to grow. Are the PCCs chambered for 10mm Auto the most powerful options out there? The answer is yes, and no. It's a matter of context. Let's take a look at what these carbines have to offer compared to those chambered in other handgun calibers.

New for 2026: Updated Federal Upland Steel

Federal Ammunition has two new 12-gauge loads in its Upland Steel shotshell lineup. Built for consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance with non-lead shot, these new offerings are being delivered to retailers nationwide and expand the versatility of the Upland Steel product line.

New for 2026: ATN TICO 6 Thermal Clip-On

ATN Corp. has announced it's TICO 6 Thermal Clip-On, a next-generation thermal clip-on designed for hunters looking for a thermal upgrade to their favorite daytime scope.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.