Introduction
Old-fashioned goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that has been a staple in many homes for generations. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients.
this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and filling. The combination of ground beef.
tomatoes, and elbow macaroni creates a savory one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether served as a main course or as a side, this classic goulash is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 ½ cups beef broth or water
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned.
breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until.
the onions have softened and the garlic is fragrant. This step will infuse the beef with delicious flavors from the aromatics.
Next, pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, along with their juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using), and continue to stir until everything is well combined.
Once the liquids are mixed in, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom, and check for tenderness. You may need to add a little more liquid if the pasta absorbs too much.
Season the goulash with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
If you like a bit of extra richness, you can stir in a bit more Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this point.
Once the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the pot from the heat. If you’re adding cheese.
sprinkle it on top and cover the pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. This adds a creamy, cheesy element to the goulash, making it even more satisfying.
Lastly, if you’re using a bay leaf, remove it before serving. The bay leaf imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor but isn’t meant to be eaten. Serve the goulash hot, and enjoy!
How to Make
To start, you’ll want to brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven. This helps create the base flavor for the goulash and gives it a nice, savory depth.
After draining the fat, add the onions and garlic to the pan, allowing them to cook down and release their flavors.
Once the aromatics have softened, it’s time to add the tomato products and seasonings.
This is where the goulash starts to come together, with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes providing the tangy base.
When the pasta is added, it absorbs all the flavors of the sauce and becomes tender as it cooks in the simmering liquid.
The key here is to make sure the pasta doesn’t overcook, so keep an eye on it as it cooks. Stirring occasionally helps prevent.
the pasta from sticking, and a small addition of broth or water can keep it from drying out.
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, the goulash is nearly done. Adding Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor, while the Italian seasoning.
paprika, and salt and pepper balance out the richness of the dish. Cheese, if desired, can be stirred in for a creamy finish, but it’s optional depending on your taste preference.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, but you can easily make it your own by playing with different spices or toppings.
The goulash can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Variations
If you’re looking for a little variety, consider swapping out the elbow macaroni for a different type of pasta. Rotini, penne, or even fusilli would work well in this recipe.
giving the dish a new texture and shape. You could also add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the goulash for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a spicier kick, you can incorporate some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño into the mixture.
This will add a bit of heat and a more complex flavor profile. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a splash of hot sauce or a few dashes of chili powder would give the goulash some extra zing.
For a healthier version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu.
This keeps the dish light while still offering plenty of satisfying texture. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
For a cheesy variation, try mixing in some grated mozzarella or Parmesan in place of cheddar. This will give the dish a different kind of creaminess and meltability
while still keeping that comforting, cheesy flavor. You could also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving, then bake it in the oven for a bubbly, golden finish.
If you love the taste of smoked meats, consider adding some cooked bacon or smoked sausage to the goulash for an extra layer of flavor.
The smokiness complements the richness of the beef and adds a savory touch that elevates the dish.
To make it more filling, you can also serve the goulash with a side of crusty bread or a green salad to balance out the meal. A little extra garlic bread on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Tips
One of the best tips for making a perfect goulash is to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Depending on the type of pasta you use and how much liquid is in the pot.
it may cook faster or slower than you expect. Stir the mixture occasionally to keep everything from sticking and check the pasta for doneness as you go.
If the goulash starts to get too thick while the pasta cooks, don’t hesitate to add a little more broth or water.
The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, but you want to maintain a nice, saucy consistency for the dish. Add small amounts of liquid at a time to avoid making it too watery.
When adding seasonings, taste as you go. It’s always better to start with less and gradually add more salt, pepper, and spices.
You can always add more, but it’s much harder to fix if you over-season the dish.
Using a combination of both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes gives the goulash a nice balance of smoothness and texture.
The sauce provides a rich, tangy base, while the diced tomatoes add a bit of chunkiness and freshness to the dish.
For extra flavor, you can try browning the beef with some chopped bell peppers or onions. This adds another layer of flavor before you even start building the sauce.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to add a little extra liquid to the pan to keep it from drying out. A splash of water, broth, or even tomato sauce will help keep the dish moist.
Lastly, be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving. Although it adds flavor during cooking, it’s not meant to be eaten and could be unpleasant if left in the dish.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned goulash is the ultimate comfort food, offering a combination of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender pasta in every bite.
It’s simple, filling, and can be easily customized to suit your tastes, making it a great dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm, satisfying dinner.
this goulash will hit the spot every time. Enjoy the timeless flavors of this classic dish, and let it bring a little extra comfort to your table.