There’s nothing quite like a big, hearty pot of Old Fashioned Goulash to bring warmth to your home and satisfy your family’s cravings. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening, hosting a family gathering, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Goulash is one of those dishes with a rich history that varies by region. In the United States, it’s often referred to as a comfort food staple, combining savory beef, hearty vegetables, and pasta in a deliciously seasoned sauce. Growing up, my family always made this classic version, especially when we had a crowd to feed or on cozy weekends when we wanted something easy and filling. There’s just something so satisfying about the hearty combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

This Old Fashioned Goulash is both budget-friendly and family-friendly, making it the perfect dish for busy nights or festive occasions. With a blend of aromatic spices, tender beef or turkey, and pasta soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a meal that both adults and kids can enjoy together. Plus, it’s topped off with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist!

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Goulash

Before you dive into making this comforting meal, gather the following ingredients:

Meat & Vegetables:

2 lbs ground beef or turkey (ground beef is more traditional, but turkey works great for a lighter option)
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced

Liquids & Sauces:

2 ½ cups water
½ cup beef broth (chicken or vegetable broth works as well)
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (you can use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor)

Spices & Seasonings:

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning (a versatile seasoning that adds a savory touch)
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
½ tablespoon black pepper

Pasta & Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef or turkey to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and mostly cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, you’ll sauté the vegetables. If the pan seems dry, add a bit of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to become soft and translucent, and the garlic to become fragrant. This step will build a flavor base that’s crucial for your goulash.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Once the garlic and onions have softened, return the browned meat to the pan. Then, add the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the mixture. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well, making sure the meat and vegetables are evenly distributed in the sauce.

Step 4: Season the Goulash

This is where the magic happens. Add the following seasonings to your goulash:

Italian seasoning – a classic herb blend that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Adobo seasoning – a flavorful, all-purpose seasoning that adds a savory, slightly tangy kick.
Bay leaves – these help to infuse the sauce with their aromatic flavor.
Seasoned salt – for an extra layer of saltiness and seasoning.
Black pepper – freshly cracked for a bit of heat and bite.

Stir everything to incorporate the seasonings well. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Elbow Macaroni

Once your sauce has simmered and thickened, it’s time to add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir the macaroni into the sauce and make sure it’s submerged. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for an additional 30 minutes. This step cooks the pasta right in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all those wonderful flavors as it becomes tender. Check the pasta occasionally to ensure it’s cooking evenly, and stir it once or twice during the process.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a perfect consistency, it’s time to finish the dish. Remove the bay leaves from the goulash. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the hot mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a creamy richness to the dish.

Step 7: Add the Mozzarella

Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pan for a few minutes to let the cheese melt slightly, then stir it into the dish for a cheesy, gooey finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Old Fashioned Goulash hot, straight from the pot. It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. The cheesy, flavorful goulash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together!

Tips for the Perfect Goulash

Customize the Meat: Feel free to experiment with different meats. While ground beef is the classic choice, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes can work just as well for a lighter version or a vegetarian goulash.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can sneak in extra veggies. Diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery can complement the flavors and add some color to the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic and onions. This will give your goulash a spicy kick that’s sure to please those who love a bit of heat.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and cheddar are classic cheese choices, but you can also try parmesan, provolone, or even a little cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Make It Ahead: Goulash is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it the night before, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and top with fresh cheese. This can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this is a great weeknight dinner or last-minute meal.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious meal. Ground meat, pasta, and canned tomatoes come together to create a dish that’s both economical and satisfying.
Hearty & Filling: This goulash is a complete meal with protein, pasta, and vegetables, making it a filling option for hungry families or guests.
Customizable: The beauty of goulash is that you can easily adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a meatless version, a spicier kick, or extra cheese, this recipe can be tailored to suit your needs.
Leftovers Galore: Goulash is even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or leftovers. Simply store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a quick meal later.

Conclusion: A Timeless Comfort Food

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia to the table. With its hearty mix of meat, pasta, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a family favorite. It’s perfect for cozy evenings at home, casual dinners with friends, or a quick meal after a busy day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

So, next time you’re craving a classic comfort meal that will fill your home with irresistible aromas, give this Old Fashioned Goulash a try. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves everyone with full bellies and happy hearts!

Happy cooking!

OLD FASHIONED GOULASH

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

There’s nothing quite like a big, hearty pot of Old Fashioned Goulash to bring warmth to your home and satisfy your family’s cravings. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening, hosting a family gathering, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. With a blend of aromatic spices, tender beef or turkey, and pasta soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a meal that both adults and kids can enjoy together. Plus, it’s topped off with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 ½ cups water
½ cup beef broth
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
½ tablespoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it into small pieces. Continue cooking until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Return the browned meat to the pan. Add the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Add the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the mixture.
Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the pan for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly. Stir it into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Notes

Ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery for added nutrition.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and onion.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
This recipe can be customized with different cheese options, such as parmesan or provolone.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour