This classic Old Fashioned Goulash is the epitome of comfort food, combining all the flavors and textures that make your taste buds swoon.
It's also incredibly easy to whip up. Just a few pantry staples and some simple steps, and you'll have a comforting masterpiece on your hands.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this American goulash recipe is a must-try. It's a crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone at the table feeling warm, and satisfied.
Why You Will Love This Old Fashioned Goulash
Here's why you'll adore this recipe:
Nostalgic and comforting flavors: This goulash recipe evokes nostalgic memories of a classic dish that grandmothers used to make. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese creates a warm, comforting flavor that many people grew up enjoying.
Easy one-pot meal: It's an incredibly easy recipe that can be made in just one pot on the stovetop. This makes for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
Satisfying: With ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this goulash is a hearty, filling meal that will satisfy your hunger. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Versatile and customizable: While the basic recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to your tastes by adjusting spices, adding vegetables like bell peppers, or using different pasta shapes.
Economical: With inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and pasta, this goulash is an economical meal option that can feed a family for little cost.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and browning the ground beef. Olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Onion: A yellow onion provides an aromatic base flavor for the goulash. The onions are sautéed until translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Ground Beef: The protein component of the dish. Ground beef forms the hearty, meaty base of the goulash. Using lean ground beef helps control the fat content.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth of flavor when sautéed with the onions and beef.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide the tomato base for the sauce, giving the goulash its signature tangy, tomatoey flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a small amount of this savory sauce boosts the umami notes in the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary that adds an aromatic seasoning to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance and balance the other flavors.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape used in American-style goulash recipes. The macaroni cooks right in the tomato sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gets stirred in at the end, adding a creamy, cheesy richness.
How To Make This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Get your skillet hot and ready by preheating it over medium-high heat. This ensures the onions and beef will sizzle and brown nicely.
Step2.Sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This develops the flavor base.
Step3.Add the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't let it burn!
Step4.It's beef time! Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it browns. Cook for 10 minutes until fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
Step5.Now for the flavorful liquids - stir in the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Let this mixture simmer away for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deliciously.
Step6.While the sauce simmers, it's pasta time! Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta once cooked.
Step7.Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the meaty tomato sauce until fully combined.
Step8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated throughout for an ooey-gooey cheesy finish!
Tips For The Best Ground Beef Goulash
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- For an extra flavor boost, try using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Their smoky notes add an incredible depth to the sauce.
- When cooking the pasta, leave it ever-so-slightly underdone. It will continue to cook and absorb moisture from the sauce, ensuring perfectly tender (not mushy) noodles.
- Grate your cheese from a block for maximum meltiness. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability.
- For a touch of freshness, garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
How To Store
Follow these steps to store old-fashioned goulash so you can enjoy it again!
Storing: Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to the container.
Freezing: Once the goulash has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, it will be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, transfer to a saucepan and reheat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until piping hot throughout.
Old Fashioned Goulash
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon 30ml olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped (approx. 1 cup/160g)
- 2 garlic cloves minced (approx. 1 tbsp/9g)
- 1 lb 454g ground beef
- 28 oz 794g crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon 15ml Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon 7.5ml Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon 5g salt
- ½ teaspoon 2.5g black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups 200g dried elbow macaroni
- 1 cup 100g grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks for around 10 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Simultaneously, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the meat sauce, ensuring it's fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Finally, stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and combined throughout the goulash.
Notes
- Ground Beef: 85% lean provides excellent flavor, but 90% lean can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add depth of flavor without extra effort.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Don't omit this! It elevates the dish wonderfully.
- Pasta: Slightly undercooked the macaroni before adding to the sauce to prevent overcooking.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner substitute that works well in this goulash recipe.
What sides pair nicely with old-fashioned goulash?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables make tasty accompaniments.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
Omit the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the Worcestershire sauce. Plant-based protein crumbles are a meat alternative.
Sarah says
Simple and easy recipe! Tastes great and perfect for a quick, comforting meal. Highly recommend!
Margaret says
Easy to make and so delicious! Definitely recommend trying it!