Warm, savory, and packed with layers of flavor, this Old Fashioned Goulash combines tender ground meat, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, and cheesy goodness for a one-pot meal the whole family will love. With a blend of Italian and adobo seasonings, elbow macaroni, and a deliciously melted cheese topping, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Goulash:
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy, savory pasta dish.
Budget-Friendly: With basic ingredients like ground meat, pasta, and tomato sauce, it’s a cost-effective meal that stretches far.
Comfort in a Bowl: The flavors meld together in a way that’s cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying.
Easy Cleanup: It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Key Ingredients:
Ground Meat: Use ground beef for a more traditional taste, or go with turkey for a lighter option.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds an aromatic, herbaceous note.
Adobo Seasoning: This gives a subtle, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have adobo seasoning, try using a mix of garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of cumin.
Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and cheddar adds creaminess and a hint of sharpness. Feel free to adjust to your taste or use what’s on hand.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or pan, heat over medium-high heat.
Add Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until the meat is browned and halfway cooked, using a spatula to break it into small pieces. This halfway point helps ensure a consistent texture in the final dish.
Remove and Set Aside: Once halfway cooked, remove the meat from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add Olive Oil (If Needed): In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil if there isn’t enough residual fat. Heat over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return Meat to Pan: Add the partially cooked meat back to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
Add Liquids: Pour in water and beef broth, then add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, creating the rich base of the goulash.
Step 4: Season the Goulash
Add Seasonings: Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly mix the spices into the meat and tomato base.
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
Cover and Simmer: Lower heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to fully cook.
Step 6: Add the Elbow Macaroni
Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Simmer Again: Cover and let simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The macaroni will cook and absorb the flavorful goulash base.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Remove Bay Leaves: Once the macaroni is tender, take out the bay leaves.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, adding creaminess and a slight tang.
Step 8: Add the Mozzarella
Top with Mozzarella: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and allow it to melt slightly, creating a deliciously gooey, cheesy layer.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the goulash warm, topped with extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish filled with rich flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness!
Serving Suggestions:
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out:
Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of buttery garlic bread to scoop up that delicious sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the rich, tomato-based goulash.
Steamed Vegetables: Try serving with steamed green beans or broccoli for extra veggies and a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This goulash stores well, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals down the line. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Or, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Recipe Variations:
There are endless ways to make this goulash your own! Here are a few ideas to try:
Spicy Goulash: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onion and garlic for a spicy kick.
Veggie-Packed Goulash: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the onion and garlic mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Cheesy Baked Goulash: Pour the cooked goulash into a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
Low-Carb Goulash: Swap out the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Herbed Goulash: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
Conclusion:
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, and with simple ingredients, it’s an easy dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. Warm, hearty, and with that perfect touch of cheese, it’s a meal that tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations to make it your own—whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or veggie-loaded, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy.
Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2.5 cups water
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 0.5 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Break it into small pieces, cooking halfway through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- If needed, add olive oil to the pan and heat over medium. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Return the meat to the pan and stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to create the base.
- Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s evenly mixed. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly before serving.