Name: Old Fashioned Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 bay leaf (optional)

This Old Fashioned Goulash takes me straight back to my childhood. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple, satisfying, and steeped in nostalgia. I remember walking into the kitchen after school and being instantly comforted by the smell of ground beef simmering in tomatoes, with elbow macaroni bubbling gently in the pot. It’s a one-pot wonder that somehow captures everything good about home cooking.

Over the years, I’ve played with the classic recipe a bit, but I always return to the basics: tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato base. It’s the kind of no-fuss meal that’s ready in under an hour, makes a generous batch, and somehow tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want to meal prep something hearty and comforting, this is the goulash to keep in your back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash

Classic comfort food that never goes out of style

Made with budget-friendly pantry staples
Cooks in one pot for easy cleanup
Perfect for meal prepping or freezing

A hit with both kids and adults
Customizable to suit your spice and veggie preferences

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Old Fashioned Goulash?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional go-to, and for good reason—it soaks up the savory tomato sauce beautifully and holds its shape without getting mushy. That said, if you’re out of elbows or just want to switch things up, small shells, ditalini, or rotini can also do the trick. Just make sure you choose a pasta that cooks quickly and evenly in the sauce. Avoid anything too large or delicate—it won’t quite give you the same cozy, nostalgic feel.

Options for Substitutions

Old Fashioned Goulash is super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap things out based on what you have:

Ground Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives can be used if you want a leaner or vegetarian option.
Diced Tomatoes: If you’re out, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce will work—just reduce the added liquid a bit.

Bell Peppers: Use red, yellow, or orange if green isn’t your thing, or skip them altogether for a smoother sauce.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat macaroni are easy swaps to accommodate dietary needs.
Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, a bay leaf, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor if you like.

Ingredients for This Old Fashioned Goulash

Ground Beef
This is the heart of the dish—rich, meaty, and filling. It brings depth and texture, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
Elbow Macaroni
Classic, compact, and perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce without turning mushy.
Onion
Adds aromatic sweetness and a bit of bite, building the foundation for the savory base.

Garlic
Essential for infusing the dish with warmth and complexity.
Green Bell Pepper
Provides a subtle crunch and earthiness that balances the richness of the meat and tomatoes.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
Juicy, tangy, and essential for creating that iconic tomato broth that defines goulash.

Tomato Sauce
Thickens the dish and gives it a smooth, velvety texture that clings to the pasta.
Beef Broth
Adds richness and enhances the meaty flavor of the entire dish.
Salt & Black Pepper
Brings all the flavors together and gives the goulash its savory edge.

Paprika
A warm, subtle spice that adds depth and a slight smokiness.
Bay Leaf (optional)
Adds a hint of herbal flavor if you want to deepen the broth even more.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. As it starts to brown, add in the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell peppers. Sauté everything together until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften—about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the beef is fully cooked and the veggies are tender, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you’re using a bay leaf, toss it in now. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to the package instructions. You want it just shy of al dente, since it’ll absorb more flavor once mixed into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

Drain the cooked pasta and stir it into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the macaroni can soak up all that savory goodness. Remove the bay leaf if you used one.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the goulash into bowls while it’s hot. You can garnish it with shredded cheese or fresh parsley if you like, but it’s just as comforting served as-is.

How Long to Cook the Old Fashioned Goulash

The entire process takes about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish:

Browning meat and sautéing veggies: 10 minutes
Simmering the sauce: 15–20 minutes
Cooking pasta: 8–9 minutes (can be done while the sauce simmers)

Combining and finishing: 5 minutes

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but cozy enough to feel like a weekend comfort meal.

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Goulash

Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked (al dente) is ideal since it will continue to cook in the sauce.

Drain the grease. After browning the beef, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy dish—especially if you’re not using lean meat.
Simmer uncovered. This helps the sauce thicken and concentrate flavor.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot. It prevents burning and promotes even heat distribution, especially during simmering.

Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This gives the pasta time to soak in more flavor and results in a thicker, heartier texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding raw pasta to the sauce: It might seem like a shortcut, but it can throw off the liquid balance. Cook the pasta separately for best results.

Using overly fatty meat without draining: This can make the goulash greasy and heavy. Always drain excess fat after browning the beef.
Overcooking the pasta: Once added to the hot sauce, pasta continues to soften. Slightly undercook it beforehand.
Skipping the simmer: The simmering step is where all the flavors come together—don’t rush it.

Not seasoning in layers: Taste and season as you go, especially after adding broth and tomatoes.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Goulash?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp, and perfect for soaking up every bit of the saucy goulash.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the rich flavors with a refreshing crunch.

Steamed Green Beans

A clean and simple veggie side that keeps the meal feeling homey and healthy.

Coleslaw

The creamy, tangy bite of coleslaw complements the warm, savory goulash beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Try carrots, zucchini, or brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs—roasted until golden.

Cornbread

Sweet, dense, and a little crumbly—cornbread adds a southern twist that’s surprisingly fitting.

Applesauce

Old-school and oddly perfect—the sweet-tart contrast cuts through the richness of the dish.

Pickles or Pickled Beets

A little tang on the side brings a nostalgic diner feel to your plate.

Storage Instructions

Old Fashioned Goulash stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time.
Freezer: Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. For quick reheating, the microwave works well too—just cover and stir halfway through.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 24g

Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g

Cholesterol: 60mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 690mg

These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Old Fashioned Goulash different from Hungarian Goulash?

Old Fashioned Goulash is an American comfort food made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and macaroni. Hungarian goulash, on the other hand, is a paprika-rich beef stew often served over potatoes or noodles.

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

You can, but it’s best to cook the pasta separately. Add the browned beef, veggies, seasonings, tomatoes, and broth to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in cooked pasta at the end.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s mild, saucy, and full of soft textures that most kids love. You can even sneak in extra veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well. For a vegetarian version, go with plant-based ground meat or lentils.

Does it freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before freezing and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to revive the texture.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a combo of tomato paste and water. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Goulash is the kind of meal that makes you want to cozy up at the dinner table and go back for seconds. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, nostalgic enough for Sunday supper, and flexible enough to suit any kitchen. With rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and hearty beef in every bite, this dish is pure comfort—no frills, just good food made with love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this goulash delivers every time.