If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is just what you need. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with a blend of Italian and adobo seasonings, this dish brings together simple ingredients that everyone loves. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that delivers layers of flavor and nostalgia in every bite, making it a true classic that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe shows how straightforward ingredients can transform into a delicious, satisfying dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building those comforting textures and deep, savory flavors you’ll crave again and again.
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey: The hearty protein base that makes the goulash filling and flavorful.
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a fragrant, slightly pungent kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 ½ cups water: Helps create a perfect consistency for simmering the pasta and sauce together.
- ½ cup beef broth: Intensifies the meaty flavor and enriches the sauce.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity note and richness.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce: The smooth tomato base that coats every bite beautifully.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes: Provides texture and bursts of tangy freshness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: The classic herb blend that adds warmth and balance.
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning: Introduces smoky, slightly spicy complexity.
- 3 bay leaves: Infuse subtle earthy notes as the dish simmers.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ tablespoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and sharpness to wake up the palate.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta that soaks up every bit of sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred in for a sharp, creamy layer of flavor.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef or turkey until it’s nicely browned and halfway cooked through. This is the foundation of your dish, and browning the meat adds that rich, savory depth that’s absolutely essential. Once browned, set the meat aside to rest briefly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add olive oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This step brings wonderful aroma and flavor, setting the stage perfectly for your sauce.
Step 3: Combine Meat and Liquids
Return the cooked meat to the pan, then pour in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together so the flavors begin to marry. This mixture will become the luscious sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Simmer
Next, stir in the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally. This slow simmer lets all the spices meld beautifully into the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Once the sauce is rich and fragrant, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Cooking the pasta right in the sauce means it soaks up every bit of flavor, creating a truly cohesive, hearty dish.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash, adding a creamy, sharp touch. Just before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly for that irresistible gooey finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm, comforting goulash into bowls and dive in! Each spoonful delivers layers of comforting flavors and textures that make this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe a timeless favorite.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich sauce perfectly. For an extra burst of flavor, a dollop of sour cream or a few jalapeño slices can add creaminess and heat.
Side Dishes
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread elevates the experience. The crunchy texture and light flavors of these sides balance the hearty, cheesy goulash beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking the goulash in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust. You could also serve it stuffed inside bell peppers or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, inviting plate that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover goulash in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. You can also microwave individual servings, covering loosely to trap steam and maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe and creates a slightly lighter dish without losing any of the hearty flavors.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the sauce?
No need to pre-cook—the uncooked elbow macaroni simmers right in the sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors as it cooks to perfection.
What can I substitute if I don’t have adobo seasoning?
If you don’t have adobo seasoning on hand, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano can replicate the smoky, savory notes well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
How spicy is this goulash?
The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the adobo seasoning and black pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more seasoning or including fresh chili if you prefer things spicier.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe is the kind of meal that brings warmth and smiles around the table. It’s uncomplicated, bursting with flavor, and perfectly nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy night in, give this recipe a try and let it become a staple in your comfort food collection.
Print
Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting one-pot American classic combining browned ground beef or turkey with savory tomatoes, Italian and adobo seasonings, and tender elbow macaroni. This hearty, cheesy dish simmers gently on the stovetop, melding flavors and perfect for a family-friendly, filling meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ cup beef broth
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and halfway cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked meat to the pan. Stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and prevent sticking.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover again, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Take out the bay leaves from the pot and discard.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts thoroughly into the goulash, creating a creamy texture.
- Melt Mozzarella Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and enjoy this warm, hearty, and satisfying meal!
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the adobo and seasoned salt for sodium preferences.
- If the goulash becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or broth to loosen consistency.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
