There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe, a comforting dish that brings together tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, simple yet deeply satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. This recipe is a classic example of how basic pantry staples can be transformed into a hearty and scrumptious dish everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role—combining textures, boosting flavor, and adding vibrant color to the final dish.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option): The main protein that forms the hearty base of the goulash.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional): Brings a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness, enhancing both texture and color.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds juicy acidity and natural sweetness, creating a rich tomato base.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Keeps the sauce smooth and saucy for a comforting mouthfeel.
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth): Adds savory depth and helps cook the pasta right in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami boost with a subtle tangy complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in herbal notes like oregano and basil.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional): Offers a warm, smoky undertone that’s perfect for this rustic dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta): The classic pasta choice that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping): Melts into gooey goodness, adding richness and a slight sharpness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium. Cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. This develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the heart of the dish. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the goulash from being too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper (if you’re using it) right to the pot. Cook everything together until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a wonderful flavor base that blends perfectly with the beef.
Step 3: Mix in the Tomato and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Pour in the elbow macaroni, stir everything together, cover, and simmer on low for 12 to 15 minutes. The pasta will absorb the rich sauce and become tender, so stir occasionally here to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese (Optional)
If you love goulash with a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pot again and let the residual heat melt the cheese into a warm, gooey topping that makes every bite even more indulgent.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal contrast that simply elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way here. Fresh parsley or a dash of extra cheddar cheese can brighten your bowl and add more flavor depth. For a touch of tang, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Side Dishes
This goulash shines all by itself, but pairing it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad takes the meal to the next level. Steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad provide fresh balance to this rich and hearty dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the goulash inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Individual ramekins baked with cheese on top also make for an impressive presentation that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple and quick, making it the perfect prep-ahead meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the goulash in portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and keep it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the goulash on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring as you go.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still delivers wonderful flavor and texture. Just brown it gently to keep it moist and tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
You can swap the meat for hearty beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian version. Adding mushrooms can also provide a meaty texture and rich umami flavor.
How thick should the sauce be when cooking goulash?
The sauce should be thick enough to cling beautifully to the pasta but still saucy and moist. If it gets too thick, a little extra broth or water can help loosen it up during cooking or reheating.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even diced jalapeños when sautéing the aromatics for a zesty kick that wakes up the classic flavors.
What pasta works best for Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
While elbow macaroni is traditional and ideal for scooping up sauce, any small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini can work beautifully and add fun texture.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and hearty satisfaction to the table. It’s incredibly easy to make but never feels ordinary, thanks to its rich tomato sauce and comforting pasta blend. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the simple joy of this hearty dish that feels like home in every bite.
Print
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe that combines ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. This classic stovetop dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a family dinner, and can be topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
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)
Tomato and Broth
- 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)
Seasonings and Pasta
- 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)
Optional Toppings
- 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 avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well to combine. Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If you prefer cheesy goulash, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish and cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve the goulash hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a leaner dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Bell pepper is optional; you can omit or substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms.
- Use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian if ground turkey or beef is replaced.
- The paprika adds a slight smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy, rich layer of flavor.
- Stir occasionally when simmering the pasta to prevent burning or sticking.
