Does anyone remember Old Fashioned Goulash? 😋 We make it just like my Grandma used to!!! 💖
You know those recipes that just feel like home? The ones that fill your kitchen with the kind of smells that make everyone wander in asking, “What’s for dinner?” That’s this Old Fashioned Goulash. It’s the ultimate comfort food—a one-pot wonder that brings together hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, savory tomato sauce that coats every single bite .
This isn’t fancy food. It’s honest, stick-to-your-ribs cooking that’s been filling bellies for generations. Think of it as a warm hug on a plate, the kind of meal that makes you go quiet at the table because you’re too busy actually eating and enjoying it .
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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It’s a true one-pot meal: Everything cooks together—the beef, the sauce, the pasta. Less mess, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy dinner .
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Incredibly budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pasta, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank .
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Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly: With familiar ingredients like pasta, beef, and melted cheese, even the fussiest eaters usually go back for seconds .
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Leftovers are somehow even better: The flavors deepen overnight as the sauce settles into the pasta. Make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later .
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Dinner is on the table in about 40 minutes: From the time you turn on the stove to the time you’re ladling out bowls, it’s quick enough for any weeknight .
What Makes This Goulash So Special?
The magic is in the simplicity. Savory ground beef is browned with onions and garlic for depth and richness . The combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes creates a hearty, slightly tangy base . A splash of Worcestershire sauce sneaks in a boost of umami that enhances the overall flavor . And the tender elbow macaroni? It cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that tomatoey goodness as it becomes perfectly tender .
The final texture is somewhere between a casserole and a skillet pasta—not too saucy, not too dry, just perfectly moist and cohesive . Top it off with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese that melts into creamy pockets of goodness, and you’ve got a meal that’s pure perfection .
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic:
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1 lb ground beef (85/15 works great—lean enough to not be greasy, but with enough fat for flavor)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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2 cups beef broth (for that rich, savory base)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of warmth)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly encouraged!)
