Old Fashioned Goulash—often called American Goulash—is a cozy, one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s simple, hearty, and exactly the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want comfort in a bowl.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Build the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3️⃣ Add the Pasta
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
Cover and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
4️⃣ Rest & Serve
Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes to thicken.
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese if desired.
⭐ Tips for the Best Goulash
- Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick
- Add a splash of water if it thickens too much
- Tastes even better the next day
- Mild, family-friendly flavor—easy to spice up if you like
🔁 Variations
- Cheesy Goulash: stir in 1 cup cheese at the end
- Veggie Boost: add bell peppers or corn
- Spicy: add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Baked Version: top with cheese and bake 10 minutes
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
🏁 Final Thoughts
Old Fashioned Goulash is humble, filling, and endlessly comforting. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.