Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless family favorite, combining tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. What is a simple, hearty recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni. 1 cup macaroni. 1 cup
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.(optional, for topping) (optional,
Directions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the Liquids: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Season and Add Pasta.: Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the elbow macaroni and mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the goulash simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- What are some optional cheese toppings?If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash and let it melt before serving.
- ServeServe hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for a quick meal.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir 1 cup of shredded cheese directly into the goulash for an extra creamy and cheesy texture.
Old Fashioned Goulash is a budget-friendly, delicious dinner that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients and a comforting taste, it’s a meal that feels like home!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
Can you make the sauce ahead of time? Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package directions, then combine the cooked pasta with the reheated sauce. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft during storage.
What are some good substitutes for ground beef?
Can you substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef, using a 1:1 ratio? If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of minced garlic. What is the best seasoning to use?
How do I know if my goulash is cooked?
The goulash is done when the elbow macaroni is tender but still has a slight bite. Visually, the pasta should be fully cooked and no longer chalky. The sauce should have thickened slightly, and the flavors will have melded together. What is the best way to cook pasta?
Can I double or triple this Old Fashioned Goulash recipe?
Can you easily scale up the recipe. For a doubled recipe, use a larger Dutch oven or skillet to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients? Is it necessary to increase the cooking time of pasta by 5-10 minutes? For a tripled recipe, you’ll definitely need a very large pot and may need to cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
What are the nutritional highlights of Old Fashioned Goulash?
This goulash provides a good source of protein from ground beef (or alternative protein source). The tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, and the onion and garlic offer additional nutrients and antioxidants. The elbow macaroni provides carbohydrates for energy. How can I increase the fiber content of my food?
Old Fashioned Goulash
A classic and hearty old-fashioned goulash made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onion is translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Add elbow macaroni, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Notes
This dish can be garnished with chopped parsley before serving.
