Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that’s stood the test of time. With tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, this one-pot wonder is both satisfying and simple to make. I like how it brings back cozy, nostalgic flavors with every bite, making it a family favorite on busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe uses pantry staples to create something incredibly flavorful and filling. It’s a true one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s also super versatile—easy to tweak based on what I have on hand. Whether I'm cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish always delivers.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Water
- Soy sauce
- Bay leaves
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
directions
- I start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once cooked, I drain the excess fat.
- I add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them until they're soft and fragrant.
- Next, I stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, soy sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- I let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- I add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot and simmer everything together for about 15 more minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- I remove the bay leaves and give it one last stir before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings and takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, with 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking.
Variations
I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor. Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms gives it extra texture and nutrition. For a cheesy twist, I stir in shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for batch cooking.
FAQs
What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash is a one-pot pasta and ground beef dish with tomato sauce, while Hungarian goulash is more of a stew made with chunks of beef and seasoned with paprika.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, I use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soy sauce is a gluten-free version to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. I sometimes use rotini, shells, or penne when I’m out of elbow macaroni, and it turns out just as tasty.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s not spicy by default, but I like to add crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish holds up well in the fridge or freezer, so I often make it a day ahead—it tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless comfort food that I keep coming back to. It’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor, perfect for feeding the whole family or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Once I tried this version, it quickly became a regular in my meal rotation.
Old Fashioned Goulash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic, hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This easy comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers nostalgic flavors the whole family will love. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, soy sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add elbow macaroni and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaves, stir, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
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