Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Old Fashioned Goulash—loaded with elbow macaroni, hearty ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese. Simple, satisfying, and seriously nostalgic.
There’s this one rainy Saturday that’s forever stamped in my mind. I was a kid, probably around 8, and my grandma called me into the kitchen—her sanctuary. I could barely see over the counter, but I could smell what was cooking from down the hall. It was her legendary Old Fashioned Goulash.
No fancy ingredients, no trendy twists—just elbow macaroni, a meaty tomato sauce, and a mountain of melty cheddar cheese. I remember sitting there, a massive bowl in front of me, spoon diving deep, feeling like I’d won the dinner jackpot. It was warm, simple, and made with so much love.
That’s what this goulash is all about. It’s not gourmet. It’s not complicated. But dang, it’s perfect. And every time I make it now, it’s like being 8 again, sitting in grandma’s kitchen, rain tapping against the windows.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe?
- It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty beef, pasta, and gooey cheese—what’s not to love?
- Feeds a Crowd: Got a big family? Friends dropping by? This’ll keep everyone happy.
- Budget-Friendly: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pot magic. Enough said.
- Tastes EVEN Better the Next Day: It’s like the flavors get cozier overnight.
Ingredient Notes:
Simple, pantry staples that come together in the coziest way.
Elbow Macaroni
The classic pasta for goulash. It holds the sauce perfectly in its curves.
Ground Beef
I go for 80/20—it adds more flavor—but you do you. Lean ground beef works too.
Onion & Garlic
The dynamic duo that adds all the savory depth.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes
A combo of smooth and chunky gives the sauce that perfect texture.
Worcestershire Sauce
Adds a little tang and umami—like a secret flavor weapon.
Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper
Your flavor base. Adjust to taste. (I’m heavy-handed with the pepper—no regrets.)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
The melty topper that brings it all together.
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How To Make Old Fashioned Goulash?
Step 1. Boil That Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook until it’s just shy of al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
Step 2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef and finely chopped onion over medium heat. Once it’s all browned and smelling amazing, drain off the excess grease.
Pro tip: Don’t skip draining. No one wants greasy goulash.
Step 3. Sauce It Up
Add in minced garlic—just until it’s fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together, letting the flavors get cozy.
Step 4. Mix & Melt
Toss your drained macaroni right into the skillet. Stir it up so the pasta gets coated in all that tomato goodness. Now—the best part—stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into gooey perfection.
Step 5. Bake Until Bubbly
If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it straight into a 350°F oven. Otherwise, transfer everything into a casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6. Cool for a Minute, Then Dig In
Give it about 5 minutes to cool slightly—because burning your tongue on hot cheese is a real thing. Then? Serve it up in big bowls, grab a spoon, and enjoy.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yep, it freezes beautifully. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water, or reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Swap the Protein: Turkey, sausage, or even plant-based ground “meat” works great.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great add-ins.
- Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce kicks it up a notch.
- Cheese It Up: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan—go wild.
What to Serve with Old Fashioned Goulash?
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs + carbs = happiness.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp balance to the hearty pasta.
- Pickles or Pickled Veggies: Weird? Maybe. But the tanginess cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Roasted Veggies: Because we should eat more greens (right?).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the full dish, refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta?
Totally. It adds a nutty flavor and holds up great in the sauce.
What’s the Difference Between American & Hungarian Goulash?
Hungarian goulash is a hearty beef stew with paprika. American goulash (this one!) is more of a pasta casserole—super simple, super comforting.
Let’s Get Cozy, Shall We?
There’s something about Old Fashioned Goulash that just hits the spot—every time. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it’s real comfort food. The kind that makes you want seconds. Maybe thirds.
If you make this, drop a comment and let me know! Got family twists or secret ingredients? I wanna hear about them. Because nothing beats a recipe with a little history behind it.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 15 ounces cans tomato sauce
- 2 14.5 ounces cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 c cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Boil the elbow macaroni, in a pot of water until it is just shy of being cooked then drain it.
- In a skillet cook the ground beef and onions until they are browned and then remove any fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until it becomes aromatic. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Ensure that everything is well combined.
- Include seasoning, salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Combine the drained macaroni with cheddar cheese in the skillet.
- If your skillet can be used in the oven bake the mixture directly for 20 to 25 minutes. Until it becomes bubbly and the cheese has melted. Otherwise, transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking.
- Enjoy your homemade Goulash!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
