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
Scale
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
