Why Make This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings a taste of nostalgia to the table. It’s packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, making it a quick and easy choice for busy weeknights. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it great for families or anyone looking to save a little money while still enjoying a tasty home-cooked meal.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash
Old-Fashioned Goulash is best served hot. You can dish it out into bowls and top it with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley for some added flavor and color. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that your family will love.
How to Store Old-Fashioned Goulash
If you have any leftovers, you can store Old-Fashioned Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or microwave.
Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Make sure to break up the ground beef well while cooking, so it mixes evenly with the other ingredients.
- Stir the goulash occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dish.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. For instance, you can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni for another type of pasta like penne or rotini. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
FAQs
1. Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Old-Fashioned Goulash ahead of time. You can prepare it and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes to make this dish.
3. Is Old-Fashioned Goulash healthy?
While it’s a hearty meal, you can make it healthier by using lean meat, adding more vegetables, and controlling the amount of cheese you use.
Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
