Old Fashioned Goulash

Wow, I just love Old Fashioned Goulash. It’s so warm and cozy. You’ll see why in a moment.

Anyway, I first tasted it when I was a kid. My grandma made it for me on a cold night. Oh, I felt so special!

Now, I adore how the noodles soak up the tasty sauce. The rich flavors make me smile. Gosh, it’s just so comforting!

So, wanna try it too? Let’s gather the simple ingredients. Let’s make this yummy dish together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: This dish has been a family favorite for generations.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples that are affordable.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Kid-Approved: Mild, savory flavors that appeal to all ages.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

This recipe makes 6 servings—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Difficulty

Easy enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Old Fashioned Goulash, you’ll need:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Strainer for draining pasta

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash

Here’s everything you need for this hearty, flavorful dish:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add diced onions to the browned beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomato Base

• Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.

4. Simmer with Broth

• Pour in beef broth and stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.

5. Cook the Macaroni

• Add elbow macaroni directly into the pot, stirring it into the sauce.
• Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the flavors.

6. Add Cheese (Optional)

• Once the pasta is fully cooked, turn off the heat.
• If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy.

7. Let It Rest

• Let the goulash sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and allows the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash

This comforting dish is hearty on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread or a buttered dinner roll complements the rich flavors.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful on top adds a creamy tanginess.
• Extra Cheese: Sprinkle with parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesier dish.

Storing Old Fashioned Goulash

Refrigerator Storage:

• Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• For a quick option, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations for Old Fashioned Goulash

1. Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
2. Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. Cheesy Goulash: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese or 1 cup shredded mozzarella for a creamy texture.
4. Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more nutrients and texture.
5. Smoky Flavor: Replace paprika with smoked paprika or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
6. Thicker Sauce: Let the goulash simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer consistency.
7. Lower-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Brown the Meat Properly

• Cook the ground beef until it’s deep brown for extra flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Drain excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

2. Let It Simmer for Maximum Flavor

• Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes before adding pasta. This deepens the flavors and makes the dish richer.

3. Stir the Pasta While Cooking

• Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
• If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

4. Make It Ahead of Time

• Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers properly for a quick meal later.

5. Use the Right Pot

• A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for even cooking and keeping everything in one pan.

6. Adjust Seasoning to Taste

• Always taste before serving! If needed, add more salt, black pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	60mg
Fiber	4g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	720mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Old Fashioned Goulash FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or any short pasta.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Goulash tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

3. How do I make this goulash extra thick?

For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

4. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are great additions.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Goulash is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Its rich, comforting flavors make it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and even better as leftovers. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with cheese, this one-pot dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.