Old-Fashioned Goulash (Easy, Hearty & Budget-Friendly!)

When it comes to cozy, satisfying, and family-approved comfort food, nothing beats a steaming pot of Old-Fashioned Goulash. This simple, one-pot wonder is packed with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s both hearty and budget-friendly.

It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out — reminiscent of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where big batches of goulash fed hungry families without breaking the bank. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this classic American goulash delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Goulash

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples you already have.
• Budget-friendly: Feeds a family for a fraction of the cost of takeout.
• One-pot recipe: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both love it!
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavor gets even better the next day.

If you need a comforting, easy weeknight dinner, this timeless recipe will be your new go-to.

🍅 What Is Old-Fashioned Goulash?

While traditional Hungarian goulash is made with chunks of beef and paprika, American goulash (or “Old-Fashioned Goulash”) is a homey one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. It’s a favorite in Southern and Midwestern kitchens — hearty, saucy, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Think of it as the ultimate mash-up between pasta night and comfort food.

🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Onion & Garlic:
   Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce:
   Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Old-Fashioned Goulash (Easy, Hearty & Budget-Friendly)

A cozy one-pot American goulash made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Hearty, simple, and perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1.5 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika optional
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot; drain excess grease.
2. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add elbow macaroni; cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in cheese (if using), garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or add diced bell peppers. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

🧀 Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Cheesy Goulash: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Turkey Goulash: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream for richness.

🍽️ What to Serve with Goulash

Old-fashioned goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Green salad – adds a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted vegetables – simple and nutritious sides.
• Coleslaw – for a cool contrast to the warm pasta.

🕰️ Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

🍲 Pro Tips for the Best Goulash

• Use quality beef: 80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor without being too greasy.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Stir often and keep an eye on it as it simmers.
• Simmer uncovered at first: This helps the sauce thicken and deepen in flavor.
• Make it ahead: The flavors get even richer after resting overnight!

💡 A Taste of Nostalgia

Old-fashioned goulash has been a staple of American home cooking since the early 1900s. Originally created as a budget-friendly meal that could stretch ingredients, it quickly became a beloved comfort dish across generations.

Every spoonful tastes like home — hearty, familiar, and made with love.

⚡ Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg