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
Scale
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.
