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Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Extra shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

This is a wonderfully low-equipment recipe.

You'll need:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater, if shredding your own cheese

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

One of the best things about old-fashioned goulash is how flexible it is.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is traditional for this version, but you can use ground turkey or ground chicken.

The flavor will be a little lighter, but the recipe will still work beautifully.

Pasta

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice.

You can substitute another small pasta shape such as small shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep in mind that cooking time and liquid absorption can vary.

Cheese

Cheddar is delicious, but don't be afraid to experiment.

Try:

• Colby Jack
• Monterey Jack
• Mozzarella
• Pepper Jack
• Parmesan

Or skip the cheese entirely for a more traditional tomato-and-beef version.

Vegetables

Want to add more vegetables?

Try diced:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Celery
• Spinach

Sauté firmer vegetables with the onion and beef so they have time to soften.

Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeño.

A little hot sauce is also fantastic stirred into individual bowls.

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink.

If there's a large amount of excess grease, carefully drain it.

Step 2: Add the Onion

Add the diced onion to the beef.

Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Don't let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Season Everything

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Give everything a good stir so the seasoning coats the beef and onions.

This is where that wonderful savory smell starts happening!

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices.

Add the beef broth and stir everything together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add the Macaroni

Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

This usually takes around 12–15 minutes, but check your pasta as it cooks.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the macaroni is tender, turn the heat to low.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the goulash sit for a few minutes before serving.

The sauce will thicken slightly as it stands.

Then spoon it into bowls, add a little extra cheese or parsley if you'd like, and dig in!

Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash

Don't Overcook the Pasta

The macaroni will continue absorbing liquid as the dish sits.

Keep an eye on it toward the end of cooking so the pasta doesn't become mushy.

Use a Large Pot

It may look like a lot when you first add everything, but the ingredients need room to simmer without bubbling over.

Taste Before Serving

Canned tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese can all contain different amounts of sodium.

Taste the finished goulash before adding extra salt.

Let It Rest

Give the goulash about 5 minutes after cooking.

This allows the sauce to thicken and cling beautifully to the macaroni.

Shred Your Own Cheese

If you have the time, freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

What to Serve With Goulash

This is already a filling one-pot meal, but a few simple sides make it feel even more special.

Bread

You can't go wrong with:

• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Homemade biscuits
• Crusty French bread
• Cornbread

And trust me, you're going to want something to mop up that tomatoey sauce!

Vegetables

Balance the meal with:

• Green beans
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted carrots
• Simple garden salad
• Buttered corn

Pickles

A few crunchy dill pickles on the side add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich goulash.

Can I Make Goulash Ahead of Time?

Absolutely.

In fact, goulash is one of those meals that can be even more flavorful the next day.

Prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.

When you're ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water because the pasta continues absorbing the sauce as it sits.

How to Store Leftover Goulash

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.

Enjoy within 3 to 4 days.

When reheating, add a small splash of broth or water if the goulash has become thick.

Heat until steaming hot throughout.

Can You Freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?

Yes, although the pasta texture can soften somewhat after freezing and thawing.

For best results, allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

If you're making goulash specifically for freezing, cooking the pasta just slightly shy of fully tender can help it hold its texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?

No.

They're different dishes.

American goulash typically combines ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings in a simple one-pot meal. Hungarian goulash is traditionally a meat stew associated with Hungarian cuisine and has a different preparation and flavor profile.

Can I use tomato paste?

Yes.

A tablespoon or two of tomato paste can add extra concentrated tomato flavor. Stir it in after browning the beef and onions and cook briefly before adding the liquid ingredients.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely.

The goulash is delicious without cheese if you'd prefer a simpler version.

Why is my goulash watery?

It may simply need a few more minutes of simmering.

Remember that the pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, so the consistency will change throughout the cooking process.

Why did my pasta become mushy?

The pasta may have cooked too long or the goulash may have sat in the pot for too long after cooking.

For better texture, cook the macaroni just until tender and serve relatively soon afterward.

Can I add beans?

Sure!

Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans can turn this into an even heartier meal.

Add drained and rinsed canned beans during the final few minutes of cooking so they have time to heat through.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely.

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño according to your preferred heat level.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American comfort food
Method: One pot
Difficulty: Easy

A Dinner That Tastes Like Home

This is the kind of recipe that reminds me why old-fashioned meals never really go out of style.

You don't need expensive ingredients.

You don't need complicated cooking techniques.

And you certainly don't need to spend hours in the kitchen.

You just need a pot, some basic pantry staples, and a hungry family.

Once that beef starts browning and the tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings hit the pot, the whole kitchen starts smelling like dinner.

And when you finally stir in that melted cheese?

Oh, yes.

That's when you know you're onto something good!!

More Old-Fashioned Comfort Food to Try

If you love hearty, nostalgic family dinners, add these to your meal plan next:

• Homestyle Chicken Potato Soup
• Beef and Macaroni Soup
• Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner
• Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Creamy Chicken and Noodles
• Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Beef Taco Pockets

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this Old Fashioned Goulash, I'd love to know how it turned out!

Leave a review and tell me if you kept it classic or added your own twist.

Did you add peppers? Extra cheese? A little heat?

And if you snap a photo, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can find this cozy recipe too!

Approximate Nutrition

Nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, broth, and other brands used.

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 500–550
• Protein: 28–32 g
• Carbohydrates: 50–55 g
• Fat: 20–25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9–12 g
• Fiber: 4–6 g
• Sugar: 7–9 g
• Sodium: 850–1,100 mg

For the most accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and quantities you use.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Goulash is proof that the simplest recipes can sometimes be the ones we crave most.

Tender ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and melted cheese come together in one comforting pot that's hearty enough to feed the family and easy enough for a busy weeknight.

It's inexpensive, filling, customizable, and wonderfully nostalgic.

So grab a big pot, brown that beef, and let dinner take care of itself.

Because sometimes old-fashioned comfort food is exactly what we need.