Old Fashioned Goulash: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic

Old Fashioned Goulash is a beloved American comfort food that brings together hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce in one cozy, satisfying dish. Also known as “American Chop Suey” in some parts of the U.S., this dish has been a staple in family kitchens for generations — affordable, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Although it shares a name with the traditional Hungarian goulash (a stew made with chunks of meat and paprika), Old Fashioned American Goulash is a simpler one-pot pasta meal that has stood the test of time.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and step-by-step method for making this nostalgic, soul-warming dish from scratch.

📜 A Brief History of Goulash

Goulash originated in Hungary, where it is a paprika-heavy beef stew. As Hungarian immigrants settled in the U.S., the dish evolved. American cooks adapted it using ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce. The result was a simpler, more accessible dish that became popular in homes, school cafeterias, and diners throughout the 20th century.

🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need

This version of Old Fashioned Goulash is designed to serve 6–8 people.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth (or water + beef bouillon)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for a cheesy version)
• ½ green bell pepper, diced (for added flavor and color)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

🍲 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving just a little for flavor.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Add the diced onions to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

🔥 Tip: If you’re using green bell pepper, add it now with the onion.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Base

1. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot.
2. Stir well to combine and coat the beef and onions in the tomato mixture.

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