Description
This Best Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting American classic featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce blended with flavorful seasonings and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this stovetop dish is hearty, cheesy, and packed with homestyle goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Produce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula to crumble, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to combine well.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy throughout the dish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the goulash sit for a few minutes to thicken up, then serve warm for a hearty family meal.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, you can omit the cheese.
- Add diced green bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for up to 3 days refrigerated.
