Old Classic Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic goulash recipe checks all the boxes for a quick, hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Here’s why this dish stands out:

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, and they’re budget-friendly.
One-Pot Wonder: Aside from boiling the pasta separately, everything comes together in one skillet—less cleanup!
Cheesy Goodness: With shredded cheddar cheese stirred into the sauce and baked until bubbly, it’s cheesy comfort at its finest.
Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it perfect for picky eaters, yet you can easily spice it up for those who like a kick.
Perfect for Leftovers: Goulash tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful dish.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a melty, stringy effect, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Elbow Macaroni: Any short pasta shape works well here. Try rotini or penne if you’re looking for a change, but stick with pasta that holds sauce well.
Tomatoes: If you prefer a chunkier texture, use regular diced tomatoes instead of petite diced. For a smoother sauce, crushed tomatoes also work well.
Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip this ingredient! It adds a savory depth to the sauce that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Macaroni

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the final baking step.

Boil the Water:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat.

Cook the Macaroni:
Once boiling, add 1 pound of elbow macaroni.
Cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than the package directions, to keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the Beef and Onions:
Add 2 pounds of ground beef and 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet.
Break apart the beef with a spatula, stirring frequently. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent.
Drain any excess fat to remove unwanted grease.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add Garlic:
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes:
Pour in 2 cans (15 oz each) of tomato sauce and 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of petite diced tomatoes.
Stir well to mix with the beef and onions.

Add Worcestershire Sauce:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Season the Sauce:
Add 1 ½ tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ½ tablespoon of black pepper.
Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine Macaroni and Cheese

Mix in Macaroni and Cheese:
Add the drained, cooked macaroni into the skillet, stirring until the macaroni is coated with the sauce.

Stir in Cheese:
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s evenly distributed throughout the goulash mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Goulash

Transfer to a Baking Dish (if needed):
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake the goulash directly in the skillet. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the Oven:
Carefully remove the hot goulash from the oven.

Serve:
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Dish up the goulash hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with your family or guests.

Serving Suggestions:

This classic goulash is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve slices of buttery garlic bread for a comforting side.
Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of pickled cucumbers or pickled beets to cut through the rich flavors of the goulash.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra sauce or water to keep it from drying out.

Freeze: This goulash freezes well! Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations:

Spicy Goulash: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
Vegetarian Goulash: Swap the ground beef for a meat substitute or leave it out entirely and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Mexican Twist: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add a can of corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex version of goulash.

Conclusion:

This Old Fashioned Goulash is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot. It’s a classic for a reason—comfort food at its best!