This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of savory seasoning. It’s inexpensive, filling, and easy to prepare, making it a classic family dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Once browned, drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomato Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover partially.
Simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a small splash of beef broth or water.
5. Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let the goulash rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Goulash
Use a large pot: The pasta expands as it cooks, so give everything plenty of room.
Stir occasionally: This prevents the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be tender but still have a little bite.
Adjust the consistency: Add broth for a looser goulash or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if you prefer it thicker.
Let it rest: A few minutes off the heat allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.
Easy Variations
Add diced bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and color.
Stir in sliced mushrooms for a hearty variation.
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Replace some of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
Add extra cheese on top and place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them gently in a saucepan. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
For longer storage, freeze cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
What to Serve With It
Old-Fashioned Goulash is filling on its own, but it pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Steamed green beans
- Simple garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is cozy, flavorful, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. With tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of simple comfort food that makes an easy family dinner everyone can enjoy.