Meta Title: Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe | Easy American Goulash Dinner
Meta Description: Make this hearty Old Fashioned Goulash with ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, and classic seasonings. A budget-friendly comfort food perfect for family dinners.
URL Slug: old-fashioned-goulash-recipe
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe – Classic, Hearty, and Easy Comfort Food
Nothing brings back memories of home-cooked meals quite like a warm bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash. This classic American comfort food combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and simple spices to create a filling dinner that has been loved by families for generations.
Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is a slow-cooked stew traditionally made with paprika and chunks of meat, American goulash is a quick and affordable pasta dish. It is sometimes called “American chop suey” and has remained popular because it uses simple pantry ingredients while delivering big flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, large family meals, meal prep, and cozy dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash
- Easy one-pot dinner
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Family-approved comfort food
- Great for leftovers
- Freezer-friendly meal
This is the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic, comforting, and homemade with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping (Optional)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Additions
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Red pepper flakes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Corn
- Extra vegetables
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in:
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
Cover and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
The pasta absorbs the rich tomato sauce while cooking, creating the classic goulash texture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Stir in shredded cheese if desired or sprinkle it over individual servings.
Allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should stay slightly firm.
- Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving so flavors combine.
- Add extra seasoning slowly and adjust to taste.
- Make it in a large pot for easy cleanup.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Goulash
Add extra cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a creamy, cheesy version.
Spicy Goulash
Add:
- Chili flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
for a little heat.
Vegetable Goulash
Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Slow Cooker Goulash
Brown the beef first, then combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for several hours.
Italian-Style Goulash
Add basil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
What to Serve with Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Cornbread
- Pickles
For a complete family dinner, serve it with a fresh salad and warm bread.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Microwave individual portions until heated through.
Goulash can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American goulash made of?
American goulash is typically made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
Is goulash the same as spaghetti?
No. While both use pasta and tomato sauce, goulash is usually cooked as a one-pot dish with shorter pasta like macaroni.
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes. It often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, penne, or small shells can work as substitutes for elbow macaroni.
How do I make goulash thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add extra tomato paste to create a thicker sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is the perfect example of simple ingredients creating an unforgettable meal. With savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and comforting seasonings, it is a dinner that brings families together.
Affordable, easy, and packed with flavor, this classic recipe deserves a place in every home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing leftovers for the week, old fashioned goulash is a timeless comfort food that never disappoints.
