There’s something so comforting about a hearty pot of Old Fashioned Goulash, isn’t there? This classic one-pot wonder combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce with just the right touch of spice and cheesy goodness. Every forkful is a reminder of family dinners and cozy nights at home. Whether you’re serving it to your kids, sharing with friends, or just craving nostalgia, Old Fashioned Goulash brings everyone around the table with smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Old Fashioned Goulash lies in its simple, unfussy ingredients. Each item is selected not just for taste, but for the way it plays with texture, color, or a little extra richness in every bite.
- Ground beef: Use fresh ground beef for hearty flavor and satisfying texture that forms the backbone of the dish.
- Yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth, softening into savory goodness as it cooks.
- Garlic (minced): A touch of garlic brings warmth and just a little zing to the tomatoes and beef.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The classic pasta shape that soaks up all the saucy flavor and holds its bite!
- Canned tomato sauce: Delivers silky, tangy body to create a thick, rich base for the goulash.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Brightens up the sauce and ensures a fresh, chunky texture.
- Beef broth: Deepens the umami flavors and keeps things deliciously moist as the noodles cook.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash amplifies savoriness with a subtle, distinctive tang.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs adds an extra layer of aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Creates warm undertones and a touch of color in every spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the ingredients together and balancing the savory notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping): Melts deliciously and offers gooey, rich comfort with every bite.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic and giving just the right richness at the base.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Add the minced garlic, and let it sizzle for 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. You want it browned and crumbly, so keep an eye out for those tasty brown bits—this usually takes about 5–6 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off for a lighter, less greasy goulash.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by the diced tomatoes (juices and all), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well—this flavorful blend is the heart of Old Fashioned Goulash, each component adding its own twist.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure every noodle is coated with the savory sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Give it a good stir every so often to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, take the pot off the heat. If you’re using cheddar cheese (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), stir it in now and let everything sit for about 5 minutes. This gives the cheese time to melt and the flavors a moment to mingle before serving. Perfection!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a finishing touch! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top is classic, but fresh parsley or even a dollop of sour cream can add freshness or a little creamy tang. If you like a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes add a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Goulash plays beautifully with simple, hearty sides. A crisp green salad, warm crusty bread, or even steamed green beans liven up your plate and add color and crunch. Serve with a pickle spear on the side if you’re in a retro mood!
Creative Ways to Present
Try loading individual portions into ramekins and topping with a cheddar crust, or spooning your goulash into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, edible “bowl.” For a crowd, serve buffet-style with small bowls of toppings like chives, sour cream, and crushed crackers, letting everyone make it their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old Fashioned Goulash keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in a well-sealed container to keep flavors fresh, and don’t be surprised if the flavors deepen and meld even more with time.
Freezing
This goulash is a freezer hero! Cool it completely, transfer to heavy-duty freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when comfort food is just a reheat away.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the goulash gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly and doesn’t stick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Old Fashioned Goulash, any short, sturdy pasta like shells or rotini works wonderfully and clings to the sauce.
Is it okay to substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a tasty lighter option. The flavor is milder, but with all those classic seasonings and sauce, you’ll still get that comfort-food vibe.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the heartiness without the meat.
What’s the best way to avoid mushy pasta?
Stir occasionally while simmering and keep an eye on the pasta as it nears doneness. Once tender but still firm (al dente), remove from the heat to stop further cooking.
Can I prepare Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time for a party?
Yes! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble and cook as directed, cool, then refrigerate. Gently reheat before serving and add a splash of broth to freshen it up if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, Old Fashioned Goulash is it! Gather your ingredients and let this simple, satisfying recipe become a new staple in your home. There’s just something magical about the way it brings everyone around the table—so give it a try, and prepare for happy faces and empty plates!
Print
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this American classic is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Goulash:
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings. Simmer.
- Add Pasta: Stir in macaroni, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in cheese, let sit before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Enhance with bell peppers or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- This goulash freezes well and makes delicious leftovers.
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