Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—a one-pot meal that brings together hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to weeknight meal that everyone in the family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large pot, I brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, I drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Then I add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if I’m using them). I stir everything together to combine.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next, I add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well. I cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, and then serve the goulash hot. If I want to make it extra special, I top it with shredded cheddar cheese.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add Vegetables: I can toss in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: If I want more heat, I can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, I can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Cheesy Goulash: I can mix in extra cheese during the cooking process for a cheesy, creamy version, or use different kinds of cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I simply microwave the goulash until heated through or warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I can swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?
Yes, I can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. I just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, I can thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If I prefer, I can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork in place of the beef. Each variation brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, I can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, I can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein, like lentils or a vegetarian meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Goulash is the perfect dish for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this simple recipe never disappoints. With its rich, tomato-based sauce and savory beef combined with pasta, it’s a dish I’ll continue to make for years to come.
Recipe:
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Old Fashioned Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce into a hearty one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a large pot. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the same pot until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Optionally, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
To make the dish spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
For a cheesy goulash, add extra cheese during cooking or mix in mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
