Hearty Old Fashioned Goulash – Best Classic Comfort Food Dinner Recipe!

Introduction

Warm up your kitchen with a pot of Old Fashioned Goulash! This comforting dish is a nostalgic favorite, combining ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce to create a one-pot meal that’s hearty and satisfying. With its savory flavors and simple ingredients, this classic American goulash is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Get ready to dig into a bowl of this delicious, old-fashioned comfort food that brings everyone together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this goulash can be on the table in under an hour.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single pot.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!

Ingredients List

• ✔️ 🔹 1 pound ground beef
• ✔️ 🔹 1 medium onion, diced
• ✔️ 🔹 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ✔️ 🔹 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ✔️ 🔹 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• ✔️ 🔹 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• ✔️ 🔹 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• ✔️ 🔹 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• ✔️ 🔹 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ✔️ 🔹 ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• ✔️ 🔹 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

• Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain Fat: If necessary, drain excess fat from the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add Onions and Peppers: Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients

• Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

4. Simmer

• Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve

• Cheesy Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
• Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tip: For added flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
• Pasta Alternatives: Use different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta for a variation.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef for different flavors.

What can I serve with goulash?
Goulash pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the goulash ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dining table. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone in the family. So gather your ingredients and enjoy making this classic goulash that’s perfect for any occasion! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you try in the comments below. For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍝✨

OLD FASHIONED GOULASH

Pin Recipe

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavors that will take you back to simpler times! Perfect for family dinners! 🍝✨

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix in Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook the Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked and the mixture is thickened.
5. Serve: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Goulash! 🍽️❤️

• Author: Sara