If you’ve been searching for a heartwarming, no-fuss dinner that delivers comforting flavors with every bite, look no further than this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. It’s a classic, homestyle dish bursting with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato base, all seasoned to perfection. This recipe brings together the nostalgia of traditional cooking with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it an absolute winner for family meals or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just honest, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the satisfying texture, bold flavor, and appealing color of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey: The hearty protein base that makes this goulash so filling and delicious.
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and richness when sautéed.
- 2 ½ cups water: Helps the sauce simmer to just the right consistency.
- ½ cup beef broth: Boosts the meaty flavor for an extra layer of savoriness.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and onions, contributing to a perfectly tender base.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce: The vibrant, smooth tomato foundation for the sauce.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of tangy tomato flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that enlivens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning: Brings a robust, smoky note that’s uniquely satisfying.
- 3 bay leaves: Infuse gentle earthiness during simmering.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon black pepper: Offers a bit of warmth and spice.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: This classic pasta shape soaks up all the savory sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for creamy, gooey goodness just before serving.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred in for an extra cheesy, flavorful punch.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by cooking your ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned and halfway cooked. This step builds a robust flavor foundation and ensures the meat is nicely caramelized. Once browned, set the meat aside for the moment.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook them until soft and fragrant — about 5 minutes — creating a beautifully aromatic base that will meld harmoniously with the meat and tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked meat to the pan, then stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. This blend of liquids and tomatoes starts to transform into the rich sauce that defines this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Simmer
Season everything with Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes. This slow simmer gives the flavors time to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Next, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and continue simmering for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has soaked up that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, adding a creamy, tangy layer. Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt slightly for that irresistible, gooey finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Now ladle your warm, comforting old-fashioned goulash into bowls and savor the satisfying combination of hearty meat, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce with cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves add a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the goulash perfectly. A dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a lovely tangy creaminess that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl, letting the bread soak up all the saucy goodness. Or, top it with a fried egg for a hearty brunch-inspired version. No matter how you present it, this dish will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Its flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this goulash freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating leftover or thawed goulash, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. You can also microwave it, covered, stopping to stir every minute or two to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a wonderful, leaner alternative that works perfectly well and absorbs the delicious seasonings just as nicely.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately before adding it to the goulash?
Nope! The elbow macaroni cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those tasty flavors as it simmers, making cleanup easier and the dish more cohesive.
What can I substitute for adobo seasoning if I don’t have it?
You can replace adobo seasoning with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cumin for a similar smoky, savory flavor.
Is this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! It freezes very well just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes to cook through.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about settling down with a bowl of this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, full of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together into a dish everyone will love. Give it a try; I promise it will quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen too!
Print
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot dish featuring browned ground beef or turkey simmered with tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian and adobo spices, and combined with tender elbow macaroni. Finished with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this classic American goulash is perfect for a family-friendly, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ cup beef broth
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and halfway cooked. Once browned, set the meat aside temporarily.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine Meat and Liquids: Return the browned meat to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to create the base.
- Add Seasonings: Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and melding flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring periodically.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Once the pasta is cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the dish.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the hot goulash until it melts fully, enriching the dish with cheesy flavor.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the goulash and allow it to melt slightly for added creaminess and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm goulash into bowls and serve immediately for a hearty and flavorful meal experience.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference for flavor and fat content.
- For a spicier variation, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini if preferred.
