Description
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, combined with tender elbow macaroni. Topped optionally with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s an easy, classic dish perfect for family dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Tomato and Broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Cook the pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add cheese (optional): If you like cheesy goulash, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish and cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve the goulash hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add bell pepper for extra vegetables and sweetness.
- Simmer gently to avoid overcooking the pasta and to let flavors develop.
- Cheddar cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy, rich layer.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
