Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a zesty tomato sauce creates a filling meal that everyone loves. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can easily be customized to fit your taste.
how to make Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
how to serve Old Fashioned Goulash
Serve Old Fashioned Goulash hot, right from the pot. You can garnish it with extra cheese or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.
how to store Old Fashioned Goulash
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Old Fashioned Goulash
- For extra flavor, consider adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Make it cheesy by mixing some cheese into the goulash before serving, not just on top.
variation (if any)
You can easily switch up this recipe by using different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Vegetarian versions can be made by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead of time. Just make it and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
2. Is Old Fashioned Goulash gluten-free?
No, traditional goulash is not gluten-free because it contains elbow macaroni. You can use gluten-free pasta to make a gluten-free version.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 4-5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes will work in place of the canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them down a bit longer to thicken the sauce.

Old Fashioned Goulash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a zesty tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms. To make it cheesy, mix cheese into the goulash before serving, not just on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American



