Introduction

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground meat, flavorful tomatoes, and cheesy pasta, it’s a classic that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
1/3 cup olive oil
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, sauté the ground meat over medium-high heat until it is half cooked, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and olive oil to the skillet; continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are tender.
Step 3: Stir in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Adobo seasoning. Mix everything well.
Step 4: Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Cover again and allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 7: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Step 8: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and gently mix it in or let it melt on the surface.
Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy your classic goulash!

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like rotini or shells if preferred.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
Leftover goulash makes great sandwiches or can be baked with extra cheese on top for a casserole twist.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or shells works well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately before adding it?

No, the uncooked elbow macaroni is added directly to the sauce to simmer and cook in the liquid, absorbing all the flavors.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 141 reviews

This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is a hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes, seasonings, and elbow macaroni, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. It’s a classic stovetop skillet meal perfect for family dinners that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying one-pot dish.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper

Instructions

Partially Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef or turkey until it is about half cooked. Remove the skillet from heat temporarily.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, diced onions, and olive oil to the skillet with the meat. Continue cooking over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaves. Stir everything well to combine.
Simmer Covered: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Elbow Macaroni: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the skillet until fully combined with the sauce and meat mixture.
Simmer Again: Cover the skillet once more and allow the goulash to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Remove Bay Leaves: After cooking, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the skillet.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot goulash mixture until melted and well combined.
Add Mozzarella Cheese Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the goulash, allowing it to melt slightly for a creamy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the goulash onto plates or bowls and enjoy this comforting, cheesy classic meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
Adjust seasonings like Adobo and seasoned salt according to your taste preference.
If the goulash becomes too thick while cooking, add a little extra water or beef broth to loosen it up.
For a less cheesy version, reduce the amount of cheddar and mozzarella or omit one entirely.
Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, Ground Beef Goulash, One-Pot Goulash, Comfort Food, Cheesy Goulash