Indulge in the nostalgia of Old Classic Fashioned Goulash, a dish that wraps you in warmth with its tender elbow macaroni, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a luscious, rich tomato sauce that brings everything together in a delightful embrace. This timeless dish, adorned with gooey melted cheddar cheese, is an absolute must for family gatherings.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Effortless Essentials – Most ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to source.
Minimal Cleanup – Boil the pasta separately and let the magic happen in one skillet for an easy, fuss-free meal.
Delightfully Cheesy – Indulge in the ultimate cheesy comfort as shredded cheddar is stirred into the sauce and baked to irresistible perfection.
Kid-Friendly & Versatile – The gentle flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters, while those craving excitement can add a dash of spice!
Ideal for Leftovers & Meal Prep – Goulash tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

Essential Ingredients

Ground Beef – Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or mix ground beef with pork for an elevated depth of flavor.
Cheese – Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella adds stringy goodness, while pepper jack brings a zesty kick.
Elbow Macaroni – Short pasta like rotini or penne works well but ensure it holds onto that rich sauce.
Diced Tomatoes – Regular diced tomatoes provide heartier texture, while crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce – A non-negotiable! It deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.

Check out the recipe card below for a breakdown of all ingredients, their quantities, and step-by-step instructions!

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Cook the Macaroni

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for the final bake.
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook 3 minutes shy of package instructions to keep it al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef & Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 2 pounds of ground beef and 1 finely chopped onion.
Stir frequently, breaking up the meat, and cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions turn translucent.
Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Tomatoes

Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
Return the beef and onions to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 4: Create the Flavorful Sauce

Stir in:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta & Cheese

Fold in cooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the rich sauce.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, indulgent texture.

Step 6: Bake the Goulash to Perfection

If using an oven-safe skillet, you can bake directly in the pan. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese melts beautifully and the dish is bubbling with flavor.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve steaming hot and enjoy this comforting classic with family or guests!

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad with zesty vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the goulash.
Garlic Bread – A buttery, warm slice of garlic bread is the ultimate side for scooping up the delicious sauce.
Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled cucumbers or beets add a delightful flavor contrast to the dish.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating –
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or tomato sauce to maintain moisture.
Freezing – Goulash freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Delicious Twists on Classic Goulash

Spicy Kick

Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Vegetarian Goulash

Replace the beef with meat substitutes or add bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Tex-Mex Goulash

Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and add black beans & corn for a Southwest twist!

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless favorite that embodies the essence of comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish for family gatherings, this goulash will bring warmth and nostalgia to the table. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!