Name: Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce; 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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If you’re craving a dish that hugs you back with every bite, this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, comforting, and packed with tender ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a luscious tomato sauce that blankets perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this recipe has been a beloved classic in kitchens for generations. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty and satisfying enough to bring everyone back for seconds. Let me walk you through how this timeless dish comes together so you can whip up a bowl of nostalgic goodness in no time.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various cooking ingredients arranged neatly for making a dish. A wooden board is placed in the center with chopped white onions and a ball of white cheese, next to a small knife. Around the board, there is a white bowl with ground meat, a white bowl with shredded orange cheese, a small white bowl with tomato sauce, a small bowl with mixed spices, a bowl with salt, two peeled garlic cloves on a small white plate, a bowl with uncooked macaroni, and a bottle of soy sauce. Everything is organized carefully to look ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of flavor and the perfect texture for your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe. From the savory ground beef to the sharp cheddar cheese, each element is essential yet straightforward.

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that soaks up the sauce beautifully while maintaining a pleasing bite.

2 pounds ground beef: Provides hearty, juicy meatiness that’s the base of this comforting dish.
1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that lifts the whole recipe.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy umami boost that deepens the tomato flavors.
2 15 oz cans tomato sauce: Creates a rich, smooth tomato base for the sauce.
2 14.5 oz cans petit diced tomatoes: Adds fresh tomato chunks and texture throughout the dish.

1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning: A perfect herbal blend that lends warmth and an earthy aroma.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For just the right amount of gentle heat and spice.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts in beautifully for gooey, cheesy bliss that crowns the goulash.

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your elbow macaroni, but here’s a little secret – boil it for three minutes less than the package suggests. This slight undercooking ensures the pasta stays perfectly firm during the bake and doesn’t become mushy later. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside to await their delicious sauce bath.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat your largest skillet over high heat and toss in the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Break apart the beef with your spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly for about 6 to 7 minutes. The aroma of caramelizing onions mingling with sizzling beef will already have your kitchen smelling irresistible. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the dish rich but not greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flavorings

Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook just until you can smell that delicious fragrance – about one minute. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start melding together beautifully. This is where your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe really starts to take shape.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then taste your sauce. Adjust seasonings if necessary because your palate is your best guide here. This step ensures your goulash will have that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby notes. Let the sauce simmer briefly just to bring all those fantastic flavors together.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Finally, mix the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into your skillet, coating every bit of pasta in cheesy, meaty goodness. If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it directly into a 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This baking is what makes the cheese bubbly and melt lovingly into the sauce. If your skillet isn’t heat-proof, no worries – just transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking. The end result is a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that’s irresistible.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

A close-up view of a skillet filled with one thick layer of macaroni pasta mixed evenly with cooked ground beef and small diced tomatoes, all coated in a light reddish sauce. The macaroni is soft and curved, with the meat showing a crumbly texture and the tomatoes adding small bright spots of red across the dish. The skillet is red with a shiny finish, and the background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this dish shines all on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a fresh pop or subtle heat. Sometimes, a modest dollop of sour cream on top can bring a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato base, elevating the cozy vibe even more.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe with easy sides like a crisp green salad lightly dressed in vinaigrette, or some buttery garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables, like green beans or seasoned carrots, balance the rich flavors and round out the meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the goulash in individual ramekins topped with a golden cheese crust or a fine sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for texture. Another delightful option is layering it in a braided bread bowl to impress guests and add an extra level of comfort to this already heartwarming dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious meal, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Your goulash will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a quick dinner.

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe, freezing is a smart move. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and your goulash will keep well for up to three months without losing its comforting taste or texture.

Reheating

Reheating your goulash is quick and simple. Use the microwave on 80% power in short increments of 30 seconds to warm it evenly and prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and deliciously melty once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for this Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini will work perfectly. Just be sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking to maintain the right texture.

Is ground beef the only option for this recipe?

Ground beef delivers that classic rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with ground turkey or a combination of beef and pork for lighter or more complex variations. Just remember to brown the meat thoroughly for the best taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth to deepen the flavor. The tomato sauce and seasonings give this dish plenty of personality even without meat.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

Cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts well and adds sharpness, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mild mozzarella will all melt nicely and pair well with the tomato sauce.

How long will the baked goulash stay good in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your baked Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe will keep well for about 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended to maintain freshness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding friends or family and making memories around the dinner table. Its simple ingredients come together to create something lovingly nostalgic, satisfying, and so easy to prepare. Give this hearty classic a try — I promise it will become one of your cherished go-to recipes, ready to comfort you anytime.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need