Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, look no further than Old Fashioned Goulash. This one-pot wonder has everything you need: tender ground beef, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with the perfect balance of spices. It’s the kind of dish that takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into pure comfort food, and I promise your kitchen will smell amazing as it simmers away. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need easy leftovers, Old Fashioned Goulash brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’d be surprised how a few humble ingredients can create something truly memorable. Each component in Old Fashioned Goulash plays a starring role, from meatiness to spice to creamy cheesiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, adding richness and satisfying flavor.
- Onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and savoriness that builds the base of the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Lends an irresistible depth and aroma—don’t skip it!
- Elbow Macaroni (uncooked): Classic goulash calls for these little pasta elbows, which soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates the saucy backbone for the whole dish.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Adds delightful texture and a juicy tomato burst in every bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient gives a deep, umami kick for that “something extra.”
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses every spoonful with a bit of herby magic.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and beautiful color without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For those who love a cheesy finish—sprinkle and stir until it melts into gooey bliss.
- Water or Beef Broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta and brings everything together (broth adds bonus flavor).
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, and add your ground beef. Let it sizzle and break up the meat with a wooden spoon while it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, take a second to drain off any excess fat—this keeps things hearty, not greasy!
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
With the beef still in the pan, toss in the chopped onion. Stir everything around for a few minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent (about 3 to 4 minutes). When the onion is just right, add the minced garlic for one more minute of cooking. This extra step makes Old Fashioned Goulash incredibly fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices), followed by Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together, making sure every morsel is coated in that rich, tomatoey goodness. You’ll fall in love with the way your kitchen starts to smell right about now.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Pasta
Now stir in the water or beef broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is when you add the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the pot—no need to boil it separately! Give it a good stir, pop a lid on, and turn down the heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Let everything cook together for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. As the pasta cooks, it soaks up all the flavorful sauce. If things look a little thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up—Old Fashioned Goulash is supposed to be lusciously saucy.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese fan, now’s your time to shine! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s rich and melty. The cheese adds a savory finish and makes each bite even more irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up the goulash while it’s piping hot and marvel at this nostalgic, homey meal you just brought to life. It’s everything you want in a comfort food, all in one pot.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or scallions over your Old Fashioned Goulash before serving—the pop of color and freshness makes each bowl look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is a classic stand-alone, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a crisp green salad is always a hit. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, while a simple salad adds a bright, crunchy contrast to the cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning Old Fashioned Goulash into ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style in a large cast-iron skillet at the center of the table. For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeños for extra zing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Old Fashioned Goulash cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for up to four days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or work lunches.
Freezing
Goulash freezes like a dream! Simply portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the saucy texture. A quick turn in the microwave also works—just cover the bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash with ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives you a lighter version of the dish. If you use turkey, consider adding a little extra seasoning to amp up the flavor.
Is it okay to use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can vary.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
To prevent mushy pasta, avoid overcooking and stir occasionally during simmering. If you’re making Old Fashioned Goulash ahead, you can also cook the pasta separately and mix it in just before serving.
Can I add vegetables to Old Fashioned Goulash?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, peas, or even spinach are tasty additions. Just toss them in with the onion and garlic for more texture, flavor, and color.
Is shredded cheese a must?
The cheese is totally optional, but it gives Old Fashioned Goulash a creamy, decadent finish. Feel free to skip it or swap in a different cheese if you’d like!
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Old Fashioned Goulash, I’m reminded of how good simple, honest comfort food can be. If you’re yearning for a hearty meal that brings everyone together, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite!
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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Made with ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, it’s a classic American dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in water or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add macaroni, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
- You can also stir in corn or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
