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
Scale
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.
