Old Fashioned Goulash: A Hearty Classic Comfort Dish

Few dishes capture the warmth and nostalgia of home cooking like Old Fashioned Goulash. This dish, also known as American Goulash, is different from the Hungarian version that’s rich with paprika and beef stew cuts. Instead, it’s a one-pot meal that became a household favorite in the United States during the mid-20th century. With its simple ingredients—ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a touch of seasoning—it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and soul-satisfying.

If you’ve been craving a comforting meal that brings back family dinner memories, here’s how to prepare a delicious Old Fashioned Goulash step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef (or half beef and half ground pork for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
1–2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This foundation creates the savory backbone of the dish.

Step 2: Build the Base with Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. The combination of tomatoes and spices gives the goulash its classic tangy, slightly sweet flavor.