Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato base, this American goulash recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for feeding the whole family. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and satisfying every single time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Meat & Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic; cook 4 minutes until softened.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta: Stir in elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in shredded cheddar just before serving for extra creaminess.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with more cheese or parsley if desired.
Notes
Tips for the Best Goulash
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Season generously to balance the tomato flavor.
- Stir pasta often to prevent sticking.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving for richer flavor.
- Cheese is optional but adds a creamy finish.
Variations
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or bay leaves for depth.
- Swap beef for turkey or sausage for a twist.
- Spice it up with soy sauce, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
Storage
- Fridge: Airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
- Freezer: Cool, portion, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking pasta makes it mushy.
- Skipping seasoning results in a flat sauce.
- Using high-fat beef can make it greasy.
- Leaving lid off may dry the dish out.
FAQs
- Other pasta shapes? Yes, rotini, shells, or bow ties.
- Slow cooker? Yes, add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and check sauces.
- Make ahead? Yes, flavors improve the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, Grandma's goulash recipe, American goulash, easy beef goulash, one pot goulash, classic beef pasta dinner, comfort food recipes, cheap family meals, easy weeknight dinner