Description

Old-Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This classic one-pot dish combines tender elbow macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes, and a savory, spiced sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, quick to prepare and filling, with endless variations. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings back nostalgic family meal vibes!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey

3 tsp minced garlic

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce

2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

2 ½ cups water

½ cup beef broth

⅓ cup olive oil

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Optional Add-ins:

Shredded cheese

Bell peppers, mushrooms, peas

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and diced onion, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Drain any excess grease from the meat. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, beef broth, olive oil, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, stir in cheese or vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Serve: Serve hot, topped with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or sour cream.

Notes

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

Vegetarian: Substitute meat with extra vegetables or plant-based protein.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Goulash also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or broth.