Old-Fashioned Goulash is a cozy, budget-friendly meal that’s been a family favorite for generations. Packed with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this one-pot wonder brings comfort straight to your dinner table. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to large gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Old-Fashioned Goulash because it’s a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s easy on the budget, quick to prepare, and it brings everyone together. After trying this recipe, your family will ask for it again and again!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Ladle the goulash into bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash
Serve your Old-Fashioned Goulash in bowls, and if you like, top it with some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra kick of flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
How to Store Old-Fashioned Goulash
Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
- For a creamier version, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers!
Variation
You can try using different types of pasta if you like. Instead of elbow macaroni, you could use shells or penne. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.



Old-Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Ladle the goulash into bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
- How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Serve your Old-Fashioned Goulash in bowls, and if you like, top it with some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra kick of flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
- How to Store Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 3 months.
- Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
- For a creamier version, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers!
Notes
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
- For a creamier version, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers!
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FAQs
Q: Can I make Old-Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is it okay to use canned tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! Canned tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe and save you time.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils or omit it altogether, and add more veggies instead.