If you’re craving cozy, nostalgic comfort food, this old-fashioned goulash is about to become your go-to dish. It’s hearty, full of flavor, easy to prepare, and only needs one pot—which means less mess and more comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking ahead for the week, this classic American goulash recipe delivers every time.
What Is Old-Fashioned Goulash?
A Cozy Comfort Food with a Rich History
Old-fashioned goulash is a simple yet satisfying dish made from ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl. It’s loved for being both budget-friendly and deeply flavorful.
Traditional Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash
While Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked stew with chunks of beef and lots of paprika, American goulash is a pasta-based skillet meal that’s more about quick weeknight comfort than rustic European fare. Both are delicious in their own ways!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Simplicity with Bold Flavors
All you need is one large pot, and about 45 minutes to bring this dish together. The tomato-based sauce soaks into the pasta and meat, creating rich, comforting bites full of flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This recipe makes enough for a big family dinner—or several days of satisfying lunches. It keeps beautifully in the fridge and even better in the freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Goulash
Here’s what you need to make this crowd-pleasing favorite. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples:
Key Proteins and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Aromatics and Sauces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for extra depth)
Flavor Boosters
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
Optional add-ins: shredded cheddar cheese, red pepper flakes, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion until soft (about 4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—it builds the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2 – Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, especially if you’re using a higher-fat beef.
Step 3 – Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Pro tip: Add tomato paste here if you like a deeper, richer tomato flavor.
Step 4 – Simmer and Add Pasta
Once the sauce is bubbling gently, stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5 – Let It Rest and Thicken
Turn off the heat and let the goulash sit for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Goulash Every Time
Tip #1 – Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot
A thick pot helps evenly distribute heat and prevent burning at the bottom—especially important when simmering pasta in sauce.
Tip #2 – Don’t Overcook the Pasta
If you like a little bite, err on the side of slightly undercooking the pasta. It’ll continue softening in the hot sauce as it rests.
Tip #3 – Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess
A handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella stirred in just before serving turns this into a gooey, cheesy delight.
Old-Fashioned Goulash Variations to Try
Make this dish your own with these fun variations:
Cheesy Goulash Bake
After cooking, pour the goulash into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil for 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Spicy Goulash
Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the mix. Crushed red pepper flakes work too.
Vegetarian Goulash
Swap the meat for lentils or plant-based crumbles. Use veggie broth instead of beef broth for a fully meatless meal.
How to Serve and Store Goulash
Best Side Dishes for Goulash
- Crusty garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans or roasted veggies
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or rotini also work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pot and extend cooking time slightly for larger batches.
Final Thoughts on This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Comfort Food at Its Finest
This old-fashioned goulash is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a taste of tradition, a cozy dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Tried This Recipe? Share It!
We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, tag @YourFoodBlog on Instagram, or share your own twist on this timeless classic.
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