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Old Fashioned Goulash

A hearty one-pot comfort classic made with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This old-fashioned goulash is budget-friendly, family-friendly, and deeply satisfying, with optional cheddar for extra creamy comfort.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Budget Friendly, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course, One Pot Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 15 oz tomato sauce 1 can
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, optional
  • bell peppers optional addition
  • mushrooms optional addition

Method
 

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add dry elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, if using, until melted and creamy.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Try adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.