Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash: A Hearty Classic with Timeless Flavor

Few dishes bring back the warm, comforting memories of home-cooked meals like Old Fashioned Goulash. Known for its rich flavor, affordable ingredients, and one-pot simplicity, this traditional American-style goulash is a beloved classic across generations. Not to be confused with Hungarian goulash (which is more of a stew), this version is a tomato-based pasta dish loaded with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and savory spices. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect old-fashioned goulash — from preparation to plating.

📝 Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)
3 cups water or beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and begin to cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.

Once the beef is nearly cooked, drain excess fat (leave about a tablespoon for flavor).
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the meat. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes).