If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the past, this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce layered with simple seasonings that bring out nostalgic home-cooked flavors. This recipe is a true classic that’s easy to whip up and always satisfies, making it a beloved staple at family dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to capturing the soul of this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe. Each component is simple yet crucial, contributing vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and inviting colors that come together beautifully in the final dish.
- Macaroni (1/2 lb): Provides the perfect bite-sized pasta that holds the sauce nicely without getting mushy.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs): The hearty base protein that gives this dish its rich, meaty flavor.
- Large onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
- Garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, & hot sauce to taste: These seasonings wake up the flavors with just the right kick and warmth.
- Two cans (14.5 oz each) whole stewed tomatoes, undrained: Bring juicy, slightly chunky tomato goodness that forms the heart of the sauce.
- Two tablespoons ketchup: This simple addition enhances sweetness and tanginess for a well-rounded tomato flavor.
- Tomato juice as needed: Helps achieve your preferred sauce consistency and adds extra tomatoey taste.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling your macaroni until it’s just al dente according to package instructions. This ensures the pasta will remain firm and hold up perfectly when it’s mixed with the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onion together. This step is where the aroma begins to build, and the onion softens, lending sweetness to complement the meat’s savoriness.
Step 3: Season and Add Tomatoes
Once your beef and onions are nicely browned, drain any excess fat. Season the mixture with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce according to your taste preferences. Then add the whole stewed tomatoes (mashed up with your spoon) and ketchup. The combination creates a thick, flavorful base that makes this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe so comforting.
Step 4: Combine with Cooked Macaroni
Fold your cooked macaroni into the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir everything well, letting the pasta soak up those rich, saucy flavors.
Step 5: Adjust and Simmer
At this stage, taste and adjust your seasonings. If the sauce feels too thick, add tomato juice a little at a time until you reach your perfect consistency. Let the whole mixture simmer gently to meld all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe has simmered to perfection and is piping hot, it’s ready to be served. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to dig in and savor each hearty spoonful.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cozy dish, consider sprinkling some freshly shredded cheddar cheese on top or adding a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad to balance the richness or a side of buttery garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For extra comfort, steamed vegetables like green beans or corn add a nutritious, colorful touch.
Creative Ways to Present
This goulash can easily become part of a family-style dinner spread. Serve it in a large rustic bowl for casual dining or portion it into individual casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and a charming presentation that delights both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe keeps really well. Store the cooled goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great option for batch cooking. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of tomato juice or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring midway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well and absorb the sauce nicely in this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe.
Is ground beef necessary, or can I substitute another meat?
You can substitute ground turkey or ground pork if you prefer. Beef lends the richest flavor, but feel free to customize based on your taste or dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Increase the chili powder and hot sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat exactly how you like it.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe gluten-free, just swap regular macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes?
If you only have canned diced tomatoes, you can use those but you might want to mash them slightly and cook down a bit longer to achieve a similar texture and flavor richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly satisfying about this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe—it’s a bowl full of memories and comfort that’s super easy to prepare any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones, because dishes like these are what home cooking is all about.
Print
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Old Fashioned Goulash recipe featuring tender macaroni and savory ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with classic spices. Perfect for a quick family meal packed with warmth and rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb macaroni
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
Seasonings & Sauces
- Garlic salt, to taste
- 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 the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onion: In an extra-large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season and add tomatoes: Drain excess grease if desired. Season the beef mixture generously with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce according to taste preferences. Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes—mashed slightly to combine—and ketchup.
- Combine macaroni and beef mixture: Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and tomato mixture. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed. Add tomato juice little by little to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Simmer and serve: Reduce heat to low and let the goulash simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of tomato juice added or simmer uncovered longer.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use gluten-free macaroni to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili powder and hot sauce.
- This dish reheats well and flavors often improve the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
