OLD FASHIONED GOULASH

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

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.