If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe. It’s a timeless dish that brings together tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich, tomato-forward sauce bursting with flavor. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of simple ingredients working in harmony to satisfy your soul and your appetite. Let’s dive into how you can make this old-school classic come to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the charms of this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays an important role—from the al dente macaroni providing just the right bite, to the ground beef offering a meaty base, and those canned tomatoes bringing a natural, comforting acidity that ties everything together.
- Macaroni: 1/2 lb of elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente to keep a perfect tender bite without mushiness.
- Ground beef: 1 1/2 lbs for a rich, hearty flavor and satisfying protein boost.
- Large onion: diced for that sweet and savory aromatic foundation.
- Spices (garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, hot sauce): added to taste for depth, warmth, and a gentle kick.
- Stewed tomatoes: two 14.5 oz cans, undrained and mashed for a luscious, chunky sauce full of fresh tomato goodness.
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons melting into the sauce to add tanginess and a touch of sweetness.
- Tomato juice: added as needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the macaroni according to the package directions, so it’s perfectly al dente. This is key because it ensures your pasta will hold its shape and texture when combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
While the pasta cooks, get an extra-large skillet or Dutch oven hot and brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cooking them together allows the onions to soften and infuse the beef with sweetness, creating such a wonderful flavor base for the sauce.
Step 3: Season and Add Tomatoes
After draining excess fat if needed, sprinkle in garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and a dash of hot sauce to taste. This step is where the dish truly begins to take on character. Next, mash the whole stewed tomatoes and add them along with the ketchup, stirring everything into a rich, vibrant sauce.
Step 4: Combine Macaroni with Beef Mixture
Drain your cooked macaroni and add it directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly to make sure every noodle is coated with that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Adjust Flavor and Consistency
Now’s the time to taste and tweak the seasonings as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a splash or two of tomato juice to loosen it just right. Remember, you want a nice, spoonable consistency.
Step 6: Simmer and Serve Hot
Let the goulash simmer gently for a few minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it’s hot and comforting, scoop it onto plates and get ready to enjoy a classic family favorite.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe can elevate it in a snap. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top not only adds visual appeal but also complements the rich tomato and beef flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Since goulash is a complete meal on its own, simple sides work best. Think crisp green beans, a fresh garden salad, or warm crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. These sides bring freshness and crunch to the plate, balancing the hearty pasta dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the goulash inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. You can even top it with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and tang. Presentation doesn’t need to be fancy to impress — the heartiness of this dish shines through every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious—if not more so.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions for up to three months. Just be sure to cool the goulash completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. This makes for an easy, comforting meal anytime you want something quick and satisfying.
Reheating
Reheat your goulash gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of tomato juice or water if the sauce feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each session for even warming without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional in this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Just keep the cooking time in mind to maintain the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You might want to enhance the seasoning slightly and add some extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for depth.
How spicy should the goulash be?
The spice level is entirely up to you. The chili powder and hot sauce let you customize from mild to zesty. Start with small amounts and adjust as you go to find your perfect balance.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a crowd?
Yes, this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is fantastic for feeding a group and can be made ahead. Prepare it fully, refrigerate it overnight, and simply reheat before serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
What can I add to make the sauce richer?
If you want a richer sauce, try stirring in a bit of cream, sour cream, or even a handful of shredded cheese at the end of cooking. This adds silkiness and an indulgent finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe. It’s more than just comfort food—it’s flavor, tradition, and the joy of simple ingredients coming together to create a memorable meal. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoy sharing it with you. Your next favorite weeknight dinner is just a few steps away.
Print
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty American casserole featuring tender macaroni mixed with seasoned ground beef and stewed tomatoes. This quick and flavorful skillet meal combines simple pantry ingredients with a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans whole stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Tomato juice, as needed
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In an extra-large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season and Add Tomatoes: Drain excess fat from the skillet if desired. Season the beef mixture with garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to your taste. Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes and ketchup, mashing the tomatoes slightly with a spoon to break them up.
- Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and tomato mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the goulash seems too thick, add tomato juice a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute elbow macaroni for regular macaroni if desired.
- Feel free to add chopped green bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili powder to suit your heat preference.
- This recipe reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
