Old-Fashioned Goulash

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Hearty, comforting, and full of rich, savory flavor, Old-Fashioned Goulash is a classic one-pot meal that’s been a family favorite for generations. Tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of flavorful seasonings come together in a rich tomato sauce, finished with melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food. It’s an easy, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Main Course
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

Equipment Needed

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.

Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in:

  • Tomato paste
  • Tomato sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
  • Sugar (if using)

Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot.

Stir well so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.

If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top.

Cover the pot for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 560
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 890mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Expert Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
  • Simmer gently to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
  • Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.

Flavor Variations

Cheesy Goulash

Add an extra cup of cheddar or mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for an even creamier texture.

Spicy Goulash

Add diced jalapeños, extra crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Vegetable-Packed Goulash

Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.

Smoky Goulash

Replace the paprika with smoked paprika and add cooked crumbled bacon for a rich, smoky flavor.

Italian Goulash

Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Allow the goulash to cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Stovetop

Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Microwave

Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Goulash

This comforting meal pairs perfectly with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Cornbread
  • Caesar salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Coleslaw
  • Roasted carrots
  • Cucumber salad
  • Pickles

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