There are some dinners that don't need fancy ingredients, complicated techniques, or a long list of instructions to make everyone happy.
Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those recipes.
It's hearty, saucy, cheesy, wonderfully filling, and made with the kind of simple ingredients many of us remember seeing in our family's kitchen.
Ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and plenty of seasoning come together in one big pot of pure comfort.
And let me tell you—the smell when this is simmering on the stove is exactly what a cozy dinner should smell like!!
If you're looking for an inexpensive family meal that stretches a pound of ground beef and makes plenty for leftovers, this one is definitely worth saving.
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What Is Old Fashioned Goulash?
American-style goulash is a simple one-pot meal traditionally made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings.
It's different from Hungarian goulash, which is a separate dish with its own ingredients, preparation, and culinary history.
This version is the classic American goulash many families grew up eating.
It's inexpensive, satisfying, easy to prepare, and incredibly adaptable.
Basically, it's the kind of dinner you can make when you want something comforting without making your entire evening revolve around cooking.
Why You'll Love This Goulash
There is so much to love about this recipe!
- One-pot meal: Less mess and fewer dishes.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples do most of the work.
- Family-friendly: Mild, familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Hearty: Ground beef and pasta make it wonderfully filling.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, cheese, or extra seasoning.
- Great leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Perfect for busy nights: Everything comes together without complicated steps.
And honestly?
Sometimes a big bowl of goulash and a piece of warm bread is exactly what dinner needs to be.
What Does Old Fashioned Goulash Taste Like?
It's savory, tomato-rich, garlicky, and comforting.
The ground beef adds hearty flavor, while the tomatoes create a rich sauce that coats every piece of macaroni.
The onions become soft and sweet as they cook, and the Italian-style herbs add just enough seasoning without making the dish overly complicated.
Then comes the cheese.
A handful of shredded cheddar stirred in at the end gives the goulash a creamy, cheesy finish that's hard to resist.
It's simple food—but definitely not boring!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Goulash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
