This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe delivers a taste of nostalgia with its rich, savory flavors and simple preparation. This classic comfort food is perfect for a weeknight dinner and sure to become a family favorite.
This old fashioned goulash is a hearty and satisfying meal featuring ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices, and combined with tender elbow macaroni. The addition of melted cheddar cheese creates a creamy texture and adds a layer of richness to the dish. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
This old fashioned goulash recipe offers a comforting and flavorful experience that the whole family will enjoy. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for even beginner cooks. It comes together in about 45 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: This goulash relies on pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking or add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for future meals. This goulash reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash
This classic goulash recipe uses readily available ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Ground beef
- Onion (yellow, red, or white)
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Canned tomato sauce
- Canned diced tomatoes (petite diced preferred)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over high heat, brown ground beef and chopped onion. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Season the Goulash: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine and Bake (Optional): Stir in cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. If your skillet is oven-safe, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. If not oven-safe, transfer to a casserole dish before baking.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash
- Salt the pasta water: Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the macaroni.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it won’t become mushy in the goulash.
- Brown the beef well: Browning the beef develops rich flavors in the dish.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Taste the sauce and add more Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with these sides:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
- Buttered bread or garlic bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. Buttered saltine crackers are also a classic pairing.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This goulash also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
