The Best Old Fashioned Goulash
This old fashioned goulash is a classic American comfort food made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a simple one-pot dinner that’s hearty, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights.
If you love cozy one-pot meals like this, try this Slow Cooker Goulash
Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash
Classic comfort food with simple ingredients
Easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Rich, savory tomato and beef flavor
For another comforting dinner, try this Ground Beef Chili
What Is Old Fashioned Goulash?
Old fashioned goulash is an American-style dish made with ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, unlike traditional Hungarian goulash which is more of a stew.
This version is often called “American goulash” and is known for being a quick, hearty, one-pot meal that combines pantry staples into a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients for Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
This recipe uses simple ingredients that create a rich and hearty dish.
- Ground Beef (1 lb). The base of the dish, providing rich flavor. For another beef recipe, try these Ground Beef Meatballs
- Elbow Macaroni (2 cups). Classic pasta used in goulash.
Tomato Sauce (2 cups). Creates a rich, savory base.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can). Adds texture and acidity.
Onion (1 cup, diced). Builds flavor depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced). Enhances savory notes.
Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp). Adds herb flavor.
Beef Broth (1–2 cups). Helps cook the pasta and deepen flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste). Balances flavors.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Cook the beef
In a large pot, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.Add sauce ingredients
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.Simmer
Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.Add pasta
Stir in uncooked pasta and cook until tender, about 12–15 minutes.Serve
Serve warm and enjoy this classic comfort meal.
For more easy dinners, browse these stovetop recipes
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash
Brown the beef for deeper flavor
Simmer before adding pasta
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
Adjust seasoning before serving
Use sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni
For another pasta-based dinner, try this Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Budget-Friendly
One of those one-pot, fuss-free recipes with endless possibilities without breaking the bank.
Easy Classic Goulash with Ground Beef
Equipment
- Stove-Top to Oven Safe Skillet or Casserole Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 1 box Macaroni noodles cooked 3 minutes less than the package directions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1-2 pounds ground beed lean or 80/20
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 15-oz can tomato sauce
- 2 15-oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- sea salt for topping
- ground black pepper for topping
- parsley leaves chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil.
- Add ground beef and brown completely.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Sauté 45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Fold in macaroni noodles and cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Generously sprinkle sea salt, ground black pepper, and parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serving Size: About 1 ½ cupsServings: 8
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | ~980 mg* |
| Potassium | ~780 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Notes:
- Using 1 pound of ground beef instead of 1½ pounds lowers calories to approximately 445 per serving.
- Using lean ground turkey (93%) reduces fat to about 18g per serving.
- Reducing cheese to ½ cup lowers calories by about 55 per serving.
- Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber to about 7g per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in old fashioned goulash?
Yes, old fashioned goulash can be made with ground turkey instead of ground beef. Ground turkey is leaner, so the dish may be slightly less rich. Add a little extra seasoning or a splash of olive oil to maintain flavor and moisture.
How long does old fashioned goulash last in the fridge?
Old fashioned goulash lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Let the old fashioned goulash cool completely before storing. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze old fashioned goulash?
Yes, old fashioned goulash freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the old fashioned goulash to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I make old fashioned goulash ahead of time?
Yes, old fashioned goulash can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I make old fashioned goulash gluten-free?
Yes, old fashioned goulash can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to be sure. Cook gluten-free pasta separately and add it before serving for best texture.
Why is my old fashioned goulash mushy?
Old fashioned goulash becomes mushy when the pasta is overcooked. Cook the pasta just until tender and avoid letting it sit too long in the sauce. Adding pasta later in the cooking process helps maintain texture.
Can I make old fashioned goulash without a large pot?
Yes, old fashioned goulash can be made in a deep skillet instead of a large pot. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all ingredients and allow the pasta to cook evenly in the sauce.
What should I serve with old fashioned goulash?
Old fashioned goulash pairs well with garlic bread, side salads, or roasted vegetables. The dish is hearty on its own, but a fresh or crunchy side balances the meal.
More Dinner Recipes
Looking for more easy and comforting meals? Browse all recipes here:
