Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

What Is Old-Fashioned Goulash?

Old-fashioned goulash is a beloved one-pot meal made with ground beef, onions, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s not the Hungarian version with paprika and chunks of stew meat (though that’s delicious too!)—this is the American classic that graced many a 1950s dinner table, often under names like “American Chop Suey” or “Slumgullion.”

And honestly? It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: hearty, comforting, easy to make, and easy to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot = less mess
• Budget-friendly but tastes like a million bucks
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
• Kid and picky-eater approved
• Feeds a crowd with zero complaints

The smell when this is simmering on the stove? Absolutely irresistible. It’s warm, nostalgic, and comforting in every way.

What Does Old-Fashioned Goulash Taste Like?

Rich, savory beef meets sweet and tangy tomato sauce with the soft bite of elbow macaroni. It’s like your favorite meat sauce and pasta decided to become best friends in one delicious pot. The onions add sweetness and depth, and the sauce clings to every piece of pasta like it was meant to be there.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Great for batch cooking
• Makes awesome leftovers
• Easy to tweak with pantry staples
• Cooks in under an hour
• Feels like a hug in a bowl 🍲

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a big, satisfying pot:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but yes please!)

Tools Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Want to make it your own? Here’s how!

• Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist
• Crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a smoother sauce
• Add bell peppers for color and sweetness
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Add frozen corn or peas in the last 5 minutes
• Top with parmesan or mozzarella if cheddar’s not your style

How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil (if using) over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Onion & Garlic

Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for another 12–15 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)

Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Let it melt into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy twist.

What to Serve with Goulash

• Garlic bread or buttery rolls
• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Pickles or pepperoncini (for that classic cafeteria-style vibe)
• Or just a spoon and a smile—it’s perfect on its own!

Storage Instructions

Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze cooled goulash in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

Reheat:

Microwave in 60-second intervals or gently warm on the stovetop, stirring often.

In Conclusion: One Pot, Endless Nostalgia

If you’ve been looking for a reliable, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this old-fashioned goulash is it. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that always hits the spot and brings a little bit of old-school magic to the table.

More Comfort Classics to Try

• Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Homestyle Baked Mac and Cheese
• One-Pot Chili Mac

Share Your Goulash Goodness!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with your thoughts or tag your cozy bowls on Pinterest. Your kitchen win could inspire someone else’s dinner tonight!

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g (Varies depending on specific ingredients and cheese use.)

Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card version or a Pinterest pin graphic to go with this post. Happy cooking—and enjoy every bite of that goulash goodness! 💛