Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash recipe is the one I grew up with. You cook everything on the stove top, and then bake until all the flavors come together and it gets bubbly and hot. It goes by a million different names, but in Minnesota this is what we called it. 

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This recipe is completely different from the rest of the world.  It is a hearty beefy macaroni dish with lots of tomatoes.  Depending on the part of the United States that you grew up in this also goes by the name Chop Suey or Slumgullion.

If you are trying to stretch your food budget, goulash is a great choice. A single pound of ground beef can stretch to several servings when combined with pasta and a richly seasoned tomato-based sauce. It’s become a popular standard for many not just for flavor, but for convenience and affordability.

Since the bulk of this recipe can be kept in my pantry easily, it is often one I decide to whip up at the last minute when I just don’t feel like making anything else. It’s even easy enough that my teenager can whip this up for us when it’s his weeknight dinner night.

Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those timeless recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—built on humble ingredients that come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you grew up eating it at your family dinner table or you’re discovering it for the first time, this dish has a way of instantly feeling familiar.

At its core, Old Fashioned Goulash is about comfort. It’s not fancy, it doesn’t require complicated techniques, and it certainly doesn’t demand expensive ingredients. Instead, it leans into the beauty of pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a few seasonings—to create a rich, savory meal that feeds both the body and the soul.

A Dish Rooted in Tradition

Although American-style goulash is quite different from the Hungarian version it takes inspiration from, it has become a beloved classic in its own right. Hungarian goulash is more of a soup or stew, seasoned heavily with paprika and often made with chunks of beef. The American version, however, evolved into a one-pot meal that’s quicker, thicker, and more casserole-like.

This adaptation became especially popular during the mid-20th century when home cooks were looking for affordable, filling meals that could stretch to feed a whole family. And that’s exactly what Old Fashioned Goulash delivers—generous portions, bold flavor, and minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time. It checks all the boxes:

• Easy to make – Perfect for beginners or busy weeknights
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters tend to love it
• One-pot convenience – Less cleanup, more enjoyment

But beyond the practicality, what really makes goulash special is the flavor. The savory richness of the beef, the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, the softness of the pasta, and the subtle blend of herbs all come together in perfect harmony.

The Ingredients That Make It Shine

A classic Old Fashioned Goulash doesn’t need a long list of ingredients, but each one plays an important role.

Ground Beef
This is the heart of the dish, bringing a deep, savory flavor. Choose a blend with a little fat (like 80/20) for the best taste.

Elbow Macaroni
The traditional pasta choice, elbow macaroni holds onto the sauce beautifully. It becomes tender as it cooks, soaking up all the flavors in the pot.

Tomatoes
Usually a mix of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, they create the base of the dish. Some recipes also include tomato paste for extra richness.

Onions and Garlic
These aromatics build the flavor foundation. When sautéed with the beef, they add depth and a comforting aroma.

Seasonings
A blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sometimes paprika gives goulash its signature taste. You can adjust these to your preference.

Cheese (Optional but Recommended)
A sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top takes the dish to another level, adding creaminess and a slightly sharp contrast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Experience

Cooking Old Fashioned Goulash is as enjoyable as eating it. Here’s how the magic happens:

1. Start with the beef
   In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease.
2. Add aromatics
   Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Let them cook until soft and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.
3. Pour in the tomatoes
   Add your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a bit of tomato paste if you like a thicker consistency. Stir everything together.
4. Season generously
   Sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This is where the dish starts to come alive. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
5. Add the pasta
   Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni along with enough water or broth to cook the pasta. Cover and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
6. Finish with cheese
   Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for a few minutes until it melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.

Old Fashioned Goulash

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just looking for a cozy meal at home, this classic never disappoints. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it feels like home.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g ground beef
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional but recommended

Method

 

1. Cook the Beef
2. In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add Onion & Garlic
5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
6. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
7. Add the Sauce Ingredients
8. Pour in:
9. Tomato sauce
10. Diced tomatoes (with juice)
11. Beef broth
12. Stir everything together until well combined.
13. Season It
14. Add:
15. Worcestershire sauce
16. Italian seasoning
17. Paprika
18. Salt and pepper
19. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 5–10 minutes to build flavor.
20. Add the Pasta
21. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
22. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by liquid.
23. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
24. Check for Doneness
25. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, your goulash is nearly ready.
26. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water.
27. Add Cheese (Optional but Delicious)
28. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
29. Cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and a single pot, you can create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just looking for a cozy meal at home, this classic never disappoints. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it feels like home.

So the next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember this: sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that leave the biggest impression. And Old Fashioned Goulash is proof of that.