Old Fashioned Goulash

 

🍲 Old Fashioned Goulash: A Hearty Hug in a Bowl

Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the fancy ones — they’re the ones that take you back. Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those timeless dishes that generations have turned to for warmth, comfort, and full bellies. It’s the kind of one-pot wonder that fills the kitchen with rich, savory aromas and the table with happy faces.

If you grew up on this dish, you know just how satisfying it is. If it’s new to you, get ready to discover why this humble recipe has stood the test of time.

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🇺🇸 What Is American Goulash?

While Hungarian goulash is a paprika-heavy stew with chunks of beef, American-style goulash is more of a pasta-meets-beef casserole, often cooked right on the stovetop.

It’s:

• 🍝 Packed with elbow macaroni

• 🍅 Simmered in a tomato-rich sauce

• 🧄 Boosted with onions, garlic, and spices

• 🥩 Ground beef-based for that meaty comfort

• 🧀 Sometimes finished with cheese (because why not?)

It’s simple, hearty, and totally satisfying.

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🛒 Ingredients

You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

• 2 cups water or beef broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Liquid

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and water or broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Stir in the Pasta

Add the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the flavors are well blended.

5. Optional Cheesy Finish

If using cheese, stir it in at the end or sprinkle on top before serving for a melty, comforting finish.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with buttered bread or cornbread

• Add a side salad for freshness

• Top with a dollop of sour cream or chopped fresh parsley

• Great as leftovers — it’s even better the next day!

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🔄 Customization Ideas

Make it your own with these twists:

• 🌶️ Add red pepper flakes for heat

• 🫑 Stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies

• 🧀 Mix in different cheeses — mozzarella, parmesan, or Colby Jack

• 🐄 Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version

• 🍝 Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly version

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container

• Freeze portions for up to 2 months

• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce

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🧡 Why We Still Love It

Old Fashioned Goulash isn’t just a recipe — it’s a memory. It’s family dinners, second helpings, and that warm, satisfied feeling you get from a real home-cooked meal. It’s no-frills comfort food that doesn’t need to be trendy to be perfect.

If you’ve never made it from scratch, now’s the time. One pot, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is done — with love.

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Want a printable version or a slow cooker adaptation? I can provide that too — just ask!