If you’ve been craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is just what you need. It’s a timeless dish that balances tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni to create a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and simple. This recipe brings together rich, familiar flavors with a wonderful texture contrast that will quickly make it a family favorite at your dinner table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the savory ground beef to the zesty tomato elements and the comforting pasta, every component shines in its own way.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option): This is the hearty base that brings richness and protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant punch that elevates the entire flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional): Adds a vibrant color and a slight crunch, enhancing freshness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings juicy texture with a burst of natural sweetness and acidity.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Concentrates richness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Smooths out the texture and deepens tomato flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth): Keeps the dish moist and infuses savory undertones.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami boost and a slight tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the meats and tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional): Offers a smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Necessary for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta): The traditional comfort pasta shape that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping): Melts into the dish adding creamy richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your ground beef (or turkey). Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is essential because browning the meat locks in flavor and creates those savory browned bits that will enhance the whole dish. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a leaner meal.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the meat looks deliciously browned, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper if you’re using it. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. This layer of flavor makes your goulash taste fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Base and Seasonings
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce along with the beef broth. Don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring this beautiful mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it all merge together for 10 minutes. This simmering step lets the flavors mingle and develop depth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir the elbow macaroni into the pot and cover it. Now, let it cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has soaked up some of that rich tomato sauce. Don’t forget to stir occasionally; this keeps the pasta from sticking and ensures an even cook.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a fan of cheesy goulash, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese over the top once the pasta is just right. Cover the pot and let the cheese melt for a few minutes, creating a creamy, gooey layer that turns this classic dish into an even cozier experience.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous touch. Now it’s time to dive in and enjoy the comfort of this classic meal, piping hot and packed with soul-satisfying goodness.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. If you love cheese, a little extra shredded cheddar or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can turn your goulash into an irresistible treat. Some even enjoy a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
Classic goulash pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to brighten the plate. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also make perfect companions, soaking up every last bit of that hearty sauce. For a lighter touch, roasted or sautéed green beans provide a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the goulash right from the pot with bowls of toppings like diced onions, hot sauce, or extra cheese to customize each plate. You can also bake it in a casserole dish topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a bubbly, golden crust. Another fun twist is turning leftovers into stuffed peppers or mixing with scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool the goulash completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick or dry out. Adding a splash of broth or water can revive the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works wonderfully, though it has a milder flavor. Just be sure to season it well and monitor the cooking time to avoid dryness.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and has the perfect size to hold the sauce, but small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ditalini also work beautifully depending on what you have on hand.
Is the bell pepper necessary?
Not at all! The bell pepper adds a lovely color and subtle sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler dish or don’t have one available.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is this goulash recipe?
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you want to crank up the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is one of those irreplaceable dishes that comforts you on busy weeknights and impresses without effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with satisfying warmth. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Print
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. This classic midwestern American dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well to combine. Cover and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if using and serve the goulash hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner, healthier option.
- Bell pepper is optional but adds great flavor and color.
- Use vegetable broth to make this dish fully vegetarian if substituting ground beef with a plant-based alternative.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
