Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, and plenty of savoury seasonings. It’s an easy family dinner that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and delivers big, comforting flavour in every bite.
Old-Fashioned Goulash
There’s something special about a classic bowl of Old-Fashioned Goulash. It’s simple, filling, budget-friendly, and full of the kind of homemade flavour that makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, American-style Old-Fashioned Goulash is typically made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich tomato and beef flavours.
The result is a thick, hearty dish with tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a delicious tomato-based sauce. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques.
You can serve it as-is or add shredded cheese on top for an extra creamy, cheesy finish. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad also pairs beautifully with this comforting dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground beef: Ground beef forms the hearty base of the goulash. Lean or medium ground beef works well.
Elbow macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice, but other small pasta shapes can also work.
Onion: Diced onion adds savoury flavour and sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the tomato sauce extra depth.
Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add texture and tomato flavour.
Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce creates the rich, smooth base for the goulash.
Beef broth: Beef broth adds flavour and provides enough liquid for the pasta to cook.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash adds savoury depth and balances the tomato sauce.
Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a simple blend of herbs.
Paprika: Paprika provides warmth and extra flavour.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar is optional but makes a delicious topping.
You can also add green bell pepper, red pepper flakes, or a little Parmesan cheese depending on your preference.
How To Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
If there is a large amount of excess grease, carefully drain some of it from the pot.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the cooked beef.
Cook for several minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir the elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently.
Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Cook until the macaroni is tender but still has a little bite.
Step 5: Adjust the Consistency
Once the pasta is cooked, check the consistency of the goulash.
If it seems too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.
If it seems too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.
Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Step 6: Add Cheese
If you’re making cheesy Old-Fashioned Goulash, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
You can stir the cheese through the entire pot or simply add it to individual servings.
Allow it to melt before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Spoon it into bowls and serve hot.
For a complete comfort-food meal, serve it with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Goulash
Use a large pot: The pasta expands as it cooks, so make sure your pot has plenty of room.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Check the macaroni toward the end of cooking. Overcooked pasta can become soft and mushy.
Stir occasionally: This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust the seasoning: Tomato products can vary in flavour, so taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper.
Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra flavour and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce for some heat.
Make it cheesy: Stir shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack into the finished goulash.
How Do I Store Old-Fashioned Goulash?
Allow leftover goulash to cool slightly before storing it.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator.
The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so the goulash may become thicker after refrigeration.
For the best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
Can I Freeze Old-Fashioned Goulash?
Yes, Old-Fashioned Goulash can be frozen.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
For convenience, freeze it in individual portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating, but the flavour will still be delicious.
How Do I Reheat Goulash?
Reheat refrigerated goulash gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover the bowl loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Goulash is the kind of comforting recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a delicious family meal. Ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings come together in one pot for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and easy to love.
Serve it with warm garlic bread or your favourite side salad, and you have a satisfying homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cosy weekends, and leftovers the next day.
PrintOld-Fashioned Goulash
This old fashioned goulash recipe is hearty and comforting. It’s full of juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 2 14.5 oz cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook macaroni for 3 minutes less than the box directions, then drain.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and onions to the pan. Break beef apart, cooking for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain any fat.
- Mix in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix until combined.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Mix in cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese. If your skillet is heat-safe, you can place in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If the skillet is not heat-safe, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish and bake.
