If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic meal that wraps you up in a big, flavorful hug, you absolutely have to try Old Fashioned Goulash. This dish is the epitome of classic comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce all in one pot. Every spoonful bursts with savory goodness, and it’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the dinner table, sharing stories and seconds. Whether you remember it from your childhood or you’re discovering it for the first time, Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Old Fashioned Goulash is in its simplicity. Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to give you the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a single item.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions to start your flavor base.
- Large onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the dish, laying the foundation for a savory sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the goulash with irresistible aroma and classic flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty star of the show, making this meal oh-so-satisfying.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the goulash its signature saucy texture and tang.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds bright, chunky tomato flavor and keeps everything wonderfully moist.
- Beef broth: Boosts the savory, meaty undertones and helps cook the pasta to perfection.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle complexity and umami for that “can’t-put-your-finger-on-it” depth.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning all the ingredients and enhancing the overall taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and gentle heat.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic pasta choice that soaks up all the flavors right in the pot.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the goulash for creamy, cheesy goodness that takes it over the top.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onion to become soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more. The aroma will fill your kitchen and signal that you’re off to a delicious start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step should take about seven to eight minutes. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off to keep your Old Fashioned Goulash from becoming too heavy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to add the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with all those flavorful juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, then bring the whole mixture to a simmer. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and give the pot a good stir to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as the pasta absorbs all the rich, savory flavors of the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and the sauce is thickened just right.
Step 5: Add the Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover, this is your moment! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the goulash. The cheese makes the dish extra creamy and comforting, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a dairy-free version. Serve your Old Fashioned Goulash hot, with a little extra cheese or fresh herbs on top if you like.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness to your Old Fashioned Goulash. If you’re feeling indulgent, another handful of shredded cheddar on top melts beautifully and gives that irresistible cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish loves simple sides. A slice of crusty bread or warm garlic toast is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce. For a lighter touch, pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the goulash. Steamed green beans or roasted veggies also complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Old Fashioned Goulash to the next level by serving it in individual oven-safe bowls topped with cheese, then broiling for a bubbly, golden crust. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful twist. Kids love it served in muffin tins for fun, portable portions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashioned Goulash stores like a dream. Simply let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making this dish even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This goulash freezes very well. Once fully cooled, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the goulash gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The pasta stays tender and the flavors stay rich!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the shape and size of the pasta you choose.
Is Old Fashioned Goulash spicy?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily kick it up a notch with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
Definitely. Old Fashioned Goulash tastes even better after sitting, so it’s a great make-ahead meal. Prepare it up to two days in advance and simply reheat before serving.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini along with the onions. These veggies blend beautifully with the sauce and add extra nutrition and flavor.
Do I have to use cheese?
Nope! The cheese is totally optional. Leave it out for a dairy-free version, or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a different kind of cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, give Old Fashioned Goulash a try. It’s easy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I can’t wait for you to experience just how satisfying and delicious this classic dish can be!
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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot American classic featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning and paprika. This easy stovetop meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights while delivering nostalgic flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its fragrance.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to marry all the flavors.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce. Stir well, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a hearty consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the goulash. Serve the dish hot, garnished optionally with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a deeper, richer flavor, add a splash of red wine before simmering the sauce.
- Enhance the dish with extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container and flavors develop further, making it even better the next day.
- To make it dairy-free, simply omit the cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
