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
Scale
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
