Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Old Fashioned Goulash. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in one pot.
- Comfort Food Vibes: The combination of pasta, meat, and tomato sauce evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes.
Ingredients
The secret to this goulash lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Goulash:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
For Garnish (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spicy: For a spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes, or mix in some diced jalapeños.
- Different Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the goulash to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lighter alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor in this dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños or chili powder for extra heat.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What kind of pasta can I use for goulash?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or shells, will work just fine.
Can I add vegetables to the goulash?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat it on the stove with a little water or broth if needed.
Can I make goulash in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make goulash creamier?
Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking for a rich and creamy texture.
What can I serve with goulash?
Goulash pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Goulash is the perfect dish for when you need a warm, hearty meal that doesn’t take much effort to prepare. With its combination of savory ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a nostalgic, filling dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste and works as great leftovers!
Old Fashioned Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic one-pot dish is hearty, filling, and ready in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and customizable, this affordable recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Goulash:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
For Garnish (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, oregano, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and add uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnishes like grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
