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

LEDE Zander's Exclusive Tristar Setter LT
LEDE Zander's Exclusive Tristar Setter LT

Zander's Exclusive TriStar Setter LT

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has announced the release of an exclusive new shotgun offering in partnership with TriStar Arms: the TriStar Setter LT, featuring a custom black engraved receiver designed specifically for Zanders dealers and customers.

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.