If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family will love, Old-Fashioned Goulash is always a winner. This classic American-style goulash combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of flavor in one satisfying pot. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and even better as leftovers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add:
- Beef broth
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
Stir well until everything is combined.
Step 4: Season
Add:
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional)
If using cheddar cheese, stir in half until melted.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover for 2–3 minutes, and let it melt.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Goulash
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to keep it from sticking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Delicious Variations
Try adding:
- Mushrooms
- Corn
- Peas
- Sliced carrots
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Ground turkey instead of beef
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed.
You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed green beans
- Coleslaw
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Rich, savory flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Family-friendly comfort food
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is the kind of comforting recipe that brings everyone to the table. With its rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, seasoned beef, and optional melted cheese, it’s a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍲❤️
