Old-Fashioned Goulash
Meta Description: This easy Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. A comforting family dinner that’s budget-friendly and delicious.
Old-Fashioned Goulash
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a big pot of Old-Fashioned Goulash simmering on the stove. This classic American-style goulash combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and simple spices to create a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, this American version is more like a flavorful pasta casserole cooked in one pot. It’s inexpensive, filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights.
The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning less cleanup and plenty of comforting flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot dinner
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Hearty and filling
- Family-friendly
- Great for leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect comfort food
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 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
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar, optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Tomato Ingredients
Stir in:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
Mix well.
4. Season the Goulash
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Add the Macaroni
Stir the uncooked macaroni directly into the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover partially and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Cook until the macaroni is tender but still slightly firm.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more beef broth.
6. Add Cheese
If you’re using cheese, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional cheese over individual servings.
7. Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the goulash rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side salad.
Tips for the Best Goulash
Use a Large Pot
The pasta expands considerably as it cooks, so use a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
Stir Frequently
Because the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, it can stick to the bottom if left unattended.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
The macaroni continues cooking from the residual heat after you turn off the stove.
Let It Rest
A short resting period allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together.
Adjust the Consistency
For thicker goulash, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
For a thinner consistency, add a splash of broth or water.
Easy Variations
Cheesy Goulash
Add 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
Spicy Goulash
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Vegetable Goulash
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Italian-Style Goulash
Add extra Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
Sausage Goulash
Replace part of the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Creamy Goulash
Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end for a richer, creamy version.
What to Serve With Goulash
This hearty meal is delicious with simple sides:
- Garlic bread
- Crusty French bread
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
A simple green salad and warm garlic bread make an excellent combination.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water because the pasta will absorb some of the sauce overnight.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Add a little broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
Can You Freeze Goulash?
Yes.
Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Keep in mind that the macaroni may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash is typically made with ground beef, macaroni, and tomatoes, while traditional Hungarian goulash is a paprika-seasoned meat stew that usually doesn’t contain macaroni.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to ground beef. You may want to add a little extra seasoning for additional flavor.
Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or small penne can work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta used.
Why is my goulash too watery?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The sauce will reduce and thicken as excess liquid evaporates.
Can I make goulash without cheese?
Definitely. Cheese is optional. The tomato and beef sauce is flavorful enough without it.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food
Cuisine: American
Method: Stovetop
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is the kind of simple, hearty meal that brings back memories of family dinners. Ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and classic seasonings come together in one pot to create a satisfying meal without complicated preparation.
Make a big batch, serve it with warm crusty bread, and enjoy the leftovers for an easy lunch the next day.