Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that everyone in the family will love, this Old Fashioned Goulash is a perfect choice. Packed with flavorful ingredients like tender macaroni, ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is easy to make and ideal for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy family meal or preparing leftovers for the next day, this goulash recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
What makes this Old Fashioned Goulash so special is its simplicity. The classic ingredients come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish that is both filling and comforting. Read on to learn how to make this timeless meal!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Old Fashioned Goulash recipe:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor and color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the beef is done, drain any excess fat from the pan. This helps keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables To the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. The onion should be translucent, and the bell pepper will have softened slightly.
- Add the Tomato Ingredients Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. You want to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce later.
- Combine the Pasta with the Sauce Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the rich, savory sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Optional: Add Cheese If you like your goulash cheesy, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt into the mixture. This adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the dish, but it’s entirely optional if you prefer a lighter version.
- Serve and Enjoy Once the goulash is ready, serve it hot. It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe Is So Loved
- Simplicity and Quick Prep One of the best things about Old Fashioned Goulash is how easy and quick it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you can have a homemade, filling meal ready in under 45 minutes.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd This recipe makes a hearty amount of food, making it perfect for feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner party. You can easily double the recipe to serve more people or to have plenty of leftovers.
- Versatile and Customizable Goulash is incredibly versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mix. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein to fit your dietary preferences.
- Budget-Friendly This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is both delicious and affordable. With ground beef, pasta, and basic pantry ingredients, it’s a cost-effective meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep If you’re looking for a dish that stores well for meal prepping, this is the one! It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, this goulash stores beautifully. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash on a chilly evening. It’s a cozy meal that brings people together, making it the perfect comfort food.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of pasta, tomatoes, and meat makes this dish appealing to kids. It’s easy to sneak in veggies, too, without them even noticing.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a meal that you can enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. If you loved this comforting goulash, be sure to share it with your friends and family!