There’s something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash on a chilly evening—it takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the aromas of simmering beef and paprika would fill the air. I’ve always loved how this classic dish brings together simple ingredients into something hearty and flavorful, perfect for family dinners. If you’re craving a taste of tradition without the fuss, this Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is your go-to. Let’s dive into making it together; I promise it’ll become a staple in your home too.
In my experience, nothing beats the satisfaction of preparing Old Fashioned Goulash from scratch—it’s easy, budget-friendly, and endlessly forgiving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this dish delivers every time. I’m excited to share my tried-and-true version that captures all the nostalgic goodness you remember.
Key Takeaways:
- Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and evokes comforting childhood memories.
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich, savory taste from paprika and slow-simmered tomatoes that builds depth in every bite.
- Use fresh veggies and quality beef for the best results—don’t skip the browning step.
- Stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water for creaminess.
Why You’ll Adore This Old Fashioned Goulash
Comfort in Every Bite: This Old Fashioned Goulash wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket, with tender beef and pasta melding into a savory stew. I’ve made it countless times for potlucks, and it always gets rave reviews—it’s that reliable crowd-pleaser we all need.
Simple Yet Impressive: You won’t believe how straightforward it is to whip up this delicious Old Fashioned Goulash; no fancy equipment required, just your trusty skillet. Here’s the thing: it tastes like you’ve slaved over it for hours, making you the hero of dinner.
Versatile for Any Meal: From lunch leftovers to a hearty supper, Old Fashioned Goulash adapts effortlessly to your schedule. What I find interesting is how it pairs so well with everyday sides, turning ordinary meals into something special.
Budget-Friendly Family Favorite: Loaded with affordable ingredients, this Old Fashioned Goulash feeds a family without breaking the bank. Let’s be honest, in today’s world, that’s a win—plus, the flavors just keep getting better the next day.
Essential Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash
Ground Beef: The star of the show, ground beef provides that rich, meaty base essential for authentic Old Fashioned Goulash. I always opt for 80/20 lean to fat ratio because it renders just enough fat to flavor everything without being greasy. In my experience, browning it well develops those deep umami notes that make the dish unforgettable. Don’t skimp here; quality beef elevates your Old Fashioned Goulash to restaurant levels.
Paprika: This vibrant spice is the soul of Old Fashioned Goulash, lending its smoky, earthy warmth that defines Hungarian-inspired flavors. A mix of sweet and smoked paprika gives the best balance—too much heat can overpower, so start with a teaspoon and adjust. I’ve experimented a lot, and it truly transforms the tomatoes into something magical.
Elbow Macaroni: These sturdy pasta tubes soak up all the saucy goodness in your Old Fashioned Goulash, adding heartiness without sogginess. Cooking them directly in the pot saves dishes and infuses flavor—genius, right? They’re classic for a reason; they hold their shape and make every forkful satisfying.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding a tablespoon of oil—then toss in your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor in your Old Fashioned Goulash; drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for sautéing. Next, stir in diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, around 4 minutes. The sizzle and aroma will have your kitchen smelling amazing already.
Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, along with your paprika, salt, and pepper—give it a good stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly, which is perfect; stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Now, you might be thinking it’s too simple, but that’s the beauty—patience here pays off in taste.
Incorporate Pasta and Finish
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot, stirring to submerge, and cook for another 8-10 minutes until al dente, adding more broth if it gets too thick. Taste and adjust seasonings—maybe a pinch more paprika for that authentic kick in your Old Fashioned Goulash. Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes; the pasta will continue absorbing those savory juices. For a twist, check out this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet recipe if you want to amp up the comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for extra depth
Old Fashioned Goulash Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Adjust with more broth if needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash
Brown Thoroughly: Don’t rush the browning of the beef—it caramelizes the sugars and boosts flavor in your Old Fashioned Goulash immensely.
Layer Spices: Add paprika early with the veggies to toast it slightly, releasing its full aroma without burning.
Rest Before Serving: Let your Old Fashioned Goulash sit off the heat for a few minutes; it thickens and flavors intensify.
You Must Know
- Old Fashioned Goulash originated from Hungarian roots but evolved in American kitchens with pasta for heartiness.
- It’s naturally gluten-free if you swap macaroni for rice or potatoes.
- Paprika is key—use Hungarian for authenticity, but any works in a pinch.
- This dish freezes well; portion into bags for quick future meals.
How to Store Old Fashioned Goulash
Once cooled, transfer your Old Fashioned Goulash to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—it’s even better the next day as flavors deepen. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess, stirring until hot throughout.
Customizing Your Old Fashioned Goulash
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian take on Old Fashioned Goulash— the flavors hold up wonderfully. Add carrots or mushrooms for extra veggies, or spice it up with cayenne if you like heat. For a low-carb version, try zucchini noodles instead of pasta. If you’re into cheesy twists, incorporate this cheesy taco pasta recipe idea by stirring in cheddar at the end.
What to Serve with Old Fashioned Goulash
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding freshness to balance the meal. Crusty bread or garlic rolls are ideal for sopping up that flavorful sauce—trust me, you’ll want every drop. For drinks, a crisp beer or red wine complements the paprika notes beautifully. On the side, try roasted veggies or even a broccoli pasta if you’re feeding picky eaters.
Old Fashioned Goulash
This old fashioned goulash recipe is hearty and comforting. It's full of juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 02 2 pounds ground beef
- 03 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 04 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 05 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 06 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 07 2 14.5 oz cans petit diced tomatoes
- 08 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 09 2 teaspoons salt
- 10 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 11 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook macaroni for 3 minutes less than the box directions, then drain.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and onions to the pan. Break beef apart, cooking for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain any fat.
Mix in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix until combined.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Mix in cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese. If your skillet is heat-safe, you can place in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If the skillet is not heat-safe, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish and bake.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Goulash
Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely, Old Fashioned Goulash is perfect for prepping in advance—the flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge. Just cook as directed, cool completely, and store covered. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
How long does Old Fashioned Goulash last in the fridge?
Your Old Fashioned Goulash stays fresh for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container at or below 40°F. Always check for any off smells before eating. For best quality, consume within that window.
Is Old Fashioned Goulash gluten-free?
Traditionally no, due to the pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni or swapping for rice. It maintains the hearty texture without compromise.
Can I use a slow cooker for this Old Fashioned Goulash recipe?
Yes, brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients—cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness, and your Old Fashioned Goulash will be tender and flavorful. For similar ease, try this crockpot chili recipe.
What’s the best way to thicken Old Fashioned Goulash?
If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry. Pasta starch also helps naturally— just be patient as it reduces.
Can kids eat Old Fashioned Goulash?
Definitely, this mild version of Old Fashioned Goulash is kid-friendly, but omit or reduce paprika if they’re sensitive to spice. Serve with cheese on top to make it fun and appealing.
How spicy is Old Fashioned Goulash?
It’s mildly spiced with paprika, not hot at all—more savory and warm. Adjust with hot paprika if you prefer kick, but start low.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?
Yes, portion it into freezer bags after cooling; it freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed—your Old Fashioned Goulash will taste just as good. For more beefy ideas, see this beef and barley soup recipe.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, this Old Fashioned Goulash isn’t just a recipe—it’s a hug in bowl form, blending nostalgia with everyday ease that I know you’ll cherish. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned pro, give it a whirl and watch it become your new favorite. Head to the kitchen now, make a batch, and let me know how your Old Fashioned Goulash turns out—I’d love to hear your tweaks!