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A pot of old fashioned goulash with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce.

Old Fashioned Goulash – Classic, Hearty, and Full of Flavor!

  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This old fashioned goulash is a classic, one-pot meal packed with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, this comforting dish is budget-friendly, simple to make, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Serve it with cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat:

    • In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat.
    • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
    • Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  2. Add Liquids & Seasoning:

    • Pour in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
    • Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

  3. Simmer & Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
    • Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

  4. Final Touches & Serve:

    • If using cheese, stir in cheddar or mozzarella until melted.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

  • For a thicker goulash: Reduce the water by ½ cup.
  • For a soupier texture: Add an extra cup of beef broth.
  • Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Make it ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Old fashioned goulash, classic goulash, one-pot goulash, beef and pasta dish, homemade goulash, hearty goulash, quick comfort food

Find it online: https://www.freshleafrecipes.com/old-fashioned-goulash-classic-hearty-and-full-of-flavor/