Classic Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Description

A hearty, one-pot wonder that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato base. Unlike Hungarian goulash (which is more of a meat stew), this version is a cozy, pasta-heavy dish that tastes even better the next day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 people

Ingredients

Protein: 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef.
Pasta: 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (uncooked).
Base: 2 cans (15 oz each) Tomato Sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, 2 cups Beef Broth.
Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced).
Seasoning: 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping).

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Finish: Once the macaroni is tender, remove from heat. If using cheese, stir it in now or sprinkle on top before serving.

Notes & Pro-Tips

One-Pot Magic: You do not need to boil the pasta separately. Cooking the macaroni directly in the sauce allows it to absorb all the beefy, tomato flavor.
Liquid Level: If the goulash looks too thick after the pasta is cooked, splash in a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
The Sizzle: If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering base.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Metric	Amount
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	28g
Total Fat	16g
Carbs	38g
Fiber	4g

Benefits

Family Friendly: Its mild, savory profile is a hit with kids and picky eaters alike.
Meal Prep King: This dish stores incredibly well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches.
Antioxidant Rich: Loaded with cooked tomatoes, providing high levels of lycopene for heart health.

Q&A

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Absolutely. It’s a great way to lean out the recipe. Just add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the depth of beef flavor.

Q: Why did my pasta get mushy?

A: This happens if it’s overcooked or left to sit in the pot for too long after the heat is off. Aim for “al dente” (firm to the bite) before removing it from the heat.

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. However, the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating. Add a splash of water when warming it up to loosen the sauce.

Does your family prefer this served as-is, or do you like to melt a thick layer of cheese over the top?