Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Old-Fashioned Goulash is a soul-warming classic that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and second helpings at the kitchen table. This simple, one-pot meal bursts with the irresistible flavors of tender beef, sweet tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, all bubbling together in a savory sauce that’s as heartening as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just warming up a chilly evening, Old-Fashioned Goulash delivers comfort food perfection with every spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of straightforward ingredients can create such a hearty and flavorful dish. Each component of Old-Fashioned Goulash adds its own personality—from the deeply savory ground beef to the little pops of garlicky aroma and creamy cheddar cheese finish.

• Ground Beef: The base of this recipe, providing rich flavor and protein.
• Onion: Chopped onion softens as it cooks, adding sweet, aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a subtle but essential warmth to the sauce.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic, comforting, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the dish its signature, lush red base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a pop of texture and a little tanginess.
• Beef Broth: Infuses every bite with savory, meaty depth and keeps the pasta tender.
• Italian Seasoning: The herbal backbone, tying all the flavors together.
• Paprika: Brings color and a mild, smoky warmth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash comes through with a touch of bold, umami magic.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and sharpen the final flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melty, creamy cheddar makes it even more comforting, but you can skip it if you prefer.
• Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top adds color and a hit of fresh flavor.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. If there’s extra grease, feel free to drain it off—nobody wants a greasy goulash!

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about one minute, until you catch that irresistible whiff of garlicky goodness. Garlic burns fast, so don’t wander away—this step brings aromatic depth to the heart of your Old-Fashioned Goulash.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Now’s the time for the Italian seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir—this sauce will soon envelop every nook and cranny of the macaroni with flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. When the pasta is tender, your Old-Fashioned Goulash is almost home!

Step 5: Add the Cheese (Optional!)

Remove the pot from the heat and, if you love a creamy finish, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt right into the sauce, making the goulash extra luscious and irresistible. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, simply skip this step.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the hearty goulash into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright green pop, and serve it up hot. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen suddenly fills with hungry fans!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash

Garnishes

A scatter of freshly chopped parsley is the traditional finish, lending both color and a little lift to the comforting richness of the dish. If you want to get playful, try a dusting of extra cheese, a touch of cracked black pepper, or even a dollop of sour cream for an ultra-cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

Old-Fashioned Goulash pairs beautifully with a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a simple loaf of warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last spoonful of sauce. Steamed green beans or buttered peas add a pop of color and fresh crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make dinner extra special? Serve your goulash in rustic soup bowls, or ladle it into individual bread bowls for a dinner that feels delightfully unexpected. For parties, spoon small portions into ramekins and broil with a sprinkle of cheese on top until bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Old-Fashioned Goulash holds up beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for make-ahead lunches or busy weeknight meals. The flavors deepen even more as they meld together!

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best texture, try undercooking the pasta just a touch if you know you’ll be freezing most of the batch.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat larger amounts gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. Stir well and heat through until piping hot—and don’t forget another sprinkle of cheese or parsley right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Old-Fashioned Goulash, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or any bite-sized pasta you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the simmering time as needed, depending on the pasta shape.

What’s the difference between Old-Fashioned Goulash and Hungarian goulash?

Old-Fashioned Goulash (sometimes called American goulash) is a thick, tomato-based, pasta-filled skillet meal. Hungarian goulash, by contrast, is a paprika-rich stew with chunks of beef and potatoes, but no pasta. Both are delicious comfort food, just different in texture and tradition!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, since gluten-free types sometimes cook a bit faster or slower than regular pasta.

What can I add to make it spicier?

A dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeño peppers stirred into the sauce will bring some heat! You can also use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra depth if you love a little kick in your Old-Fashioned Goulash.

Is this a good recipe for meal prepping?

Definitely! Old-Fashioned Goulash stores and reheats wonderfully. Prepare it on Sunday, portion it out, and have grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners ready to warm up all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for comfort food, there’s truly nothing better than a bowl of Old-Fashioned Goulash. It’s warm, reliable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try and make it your new family favorite—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds!

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