Poor Man Goulash is an old-fashioned comfort food made with ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. It’s inexpensive, easy to prepare, and full of savory flavor. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Macaroni
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth or water.
4. Add the Cheese
Once the macaroni is tender, taste and adjust the seasonings.
If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top. Cover and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Serve
Give everything a final stir and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Poor Man Goulash
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Stir occasionally while the macaroni cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- You can add bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms if you have them on hand.
- Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty goulash with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A little extra shredded cheese on top makes it even more comforting.
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, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.