Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, tomato-based beef sauce. This classic American favorite is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 3 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
7. Step 7: Fold in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
• Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Stir in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy finish.
• Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy taste or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also freeze the goulash for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 102 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting classic American casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni mixed with a savory, tomato-based ground beef sauce, seasoned with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it’s baked in the oven until bubbly and cheesy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the goulash later.
2. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for approximately 3 minutes less than the package directions recommend to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat, add ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook for 6–7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Combine sauce ingredients: Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Season the mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed for a balanced flavor.
7. Mix in macaroni and cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, mixing everything together thoroughly.
8. Bake the goulash: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted. If not, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish and bake for the same amount of time.

Notes

• For best results, use a heat-safe skillet to avoid extra dishes.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
• Adding a little crushed red pepper can give it a subtle kick if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, American Goulash, Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta