There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of Old-Fashioned Goulash on the stove—the kitchen fills with savory aromas, and suddenly, everyone’s hungry for a taste of this classic comfort food. This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight meal: hearty ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a touch of melted cheese, all mingling together in one happy pan. Whether you grew up eating this dish or you’re making it for the first time, Old-Fashioned Goulash brings folks together, one scoop at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Old-Fashioned Goulash is like a building block for flavor, texture, and a little bit of nostalgia. You’ll be amazed at how these everyday staples come together to create something truly special—no fancy shopping list required!
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness; you can swap in ground turkey or pork if you prefer.
- Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth; it softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, but they bring a gentle aromatic punch.
- Tomato sauce: The backbone of the sauce, giving it body and richness.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Adds texture and a fresh tomato bite—don’t drain, you want all that flavor!
- Elbow macaroni: This pasta soaks up the sauce and gets perfectly tender as it cooks right in the pot.
- Beef broth: Infuses the goulash with savory undertones and keeps everything moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings a subtle umami boost that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon for that herby, comforting backdrop.
- Paprika: The secret to a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances out the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For that irresistible creamy finish—totally worth it if you’re a cheese lover!
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that makes each bowl pop.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Grab your biggest skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up with your spoon as it sizzles. Once the meat is deeply browned and no longer pink, go ahead and drain off any extra fat—this step keeps your Old-Fashioned Goulash from feeling greasy and heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
With the beef still in the pan, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now comes the fun part—pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (juice and all), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir so all those delicious flavors can get to know each other. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer—it should be bubbling softly but not boiling furiously.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure every piece is coated in that savory sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Check and stir occasionally so nothing sticks. The pasta will soak up all the tomatoey goodness and become perfectly tender, while most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
If you’re a cheese fan, this is your moment! Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until it’s melted into a creamy, dreamy finish. It’s totally optional, but honestly, it takes Old-Fashioned Goulash to a whole new level of cozy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower your goulash with a handful of chopped parsley. The pop of green makes every bowl look extra inviting. Now, grab a big spoon and dig in!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic for Old-Fashioned Goulash, but don’t stop there if you’re feeling adventurous! Try a little extra cheese, a dash of smoked paprika, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish loves a simple side. Serve it with buttered crusty bread for dipping, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or some steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Old-Fashioned Goulash is filling on its own, so sides can stay light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun with presentation, spoon Old-Fashioned Goulash into individual ramekins, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly. Or, serve in bread bowls for a playful twist. It’s also perfect for potlucks—just keep it warm in a slow cooker and let guests help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Goulash keeps like a dream! Let leftovers cool, then pack them into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making every reheat extra tasty.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a busy night, this goulash freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, spoon your Old-Fashioned Goulash into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Old-Fashioned Goulash, small shells, rotini, or penne work great too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes might need a few extra minutes.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese at the end—Old-Fashioned Goulash is still full of flavor without it. If you like, try a dairy-free cheese alternative or just enjoy the dish as-is.
Is there a way to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. It’s an easy way to boost nutrition and color.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a bigger pot and be sure to stir often so the pasta cooks evenly. It’s a fantastic dish for feeding a hungry group!
What’s the difference between Old-Fashioned Goulash and Hungarian goulash?
Old-Fashioned Goulash is an American comfort classic that’s all about beef, pasta, and tomato sauce simmered together in one pot. Hungarian goulash is a stew, usually with chunks of beef, lots of paprika, and no pasta—both are delicious in their own way!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and totally satisfying, give Old-Fashioned Goulash a try. It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories and makes new ones all at once. I hope this recipe finds a home in your kitchen as it has in mine—happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a classic American one-pot comfort meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is easy to prepare, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices, and optionally topped with melted cheddar cheese for added creaminess. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it delivers satisfying flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté together for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, which builds the flavor base of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the skillet, and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, stir it in now until melted and creamy, enriching the texture and flavor of the goulash.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef for a different protein option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat in your goulash.
- This dish is great for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
