Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash on a chilly evening. With its rich tomato sauce, hearty ground beef, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this one-pot wonder is a nostalgic classic that never fails to satisfy.

I first learned to make this dish from my grandmother, who swore by its simplicity and flavor. She would let it simmer on the stove, filling the house with an aroma that signaled home-cooked comfort at its finest. Now, it's a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that brings back childhood memories with every bite. This Old Fashioned Goulash is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and one pot, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy nights when time is tight.

It's also budget-friendly. Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, this meal is as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds.

The versatility of this dish is another reason to love it. You can adjust the seasonings, swap in different proteins, or add extra veggies to suit your family's preferences.

Best of all, it's a true comfort food. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce creates a dish that warms the soul and satisfies every craving.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Old Fashioned Goulash lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish so satisfying.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work just as well.

Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta choice. Its small, curved shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don't have elbow macaroni, rotini or shells are great substitutes.

Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the rich, savory base of this dish. I recommend using canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. If you like a little heat, fire-roasted tomatoes add a nice kick.

Onion and garlic are essential for building depth of flavor. Sautéing them before adding the meat enhances the overall taste and gives the sauce a wonderful aroma.

For seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar work wonders. The paprika adds warmth, the Italian seasoning provides a herbaceous touch, and the sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

A sturdy Dutch oven or deep skillet is the only special equipment you need. It ensures even cooking and allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How To Make This Old Fashioned Goulash

Creating this delicious, nostalgic dish is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the simple steps to bring it to life.

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

Next, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Give everything a good mix and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and blend beautifully.

Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to the package instructions. You want it slightly undercooked, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and stir it into the beef and tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will soak up the sauce, creating a thick and hearty consistency.

After a final taste test, adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! This Old Fashioned Goulash stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

To store, let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients!

If you want a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get that rich, hearty texture with fewer calories.

Looking to add more vegetables? Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions. Simply sauté them with the onions to incorporate extra nutrients.

For a slightly different twist, try using beef broth instead of water when simmering the sauce. It deepens the flavor and gives the dish an even richer taste.

If you prefer a little heat, stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some spice.

Want to make it extra cheesy? Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan right before serving for a creamy, comforting upgrade.

No matter how you customize it, this Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless favorite that’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table!

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