Name: Old Fashioned Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Beef; 3 cups Chopped Garlic; 1 large Yellow Onion, diced; 2.5 cups Water; 0.5 cup Beef Broth; 0.33 cup Olive Oil; 2 cans (15 oz each) Tomato Sauce; 2 cans (15 oz each) Diced Tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1 tablespoon Adobo Seasoning; 3 leaves Bay Leaves; 1 tablespoon Seasoned Salt; 0.5 cup Black Pepper; 2 cups Elbow Macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese; 0.5 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that envelops your kitchen in savory aromas and delights your taste buds, Old Fashioned Goulash is just what you need. This rich, hearty dish brings together tender ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a nostalgic, home-cooked meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Did you know goulash has Hungarian roots but was lovingly adopted and reimagined across countless American kitchens? My own family requests this cozy casserole often, especially on chilly evenings! If you love my Classic Beef Stroganoff, which is always a hit with readers, you’ll adore the one-pot simplicity and big flavor punch of Old Fashioned Goulash. Get ready to gather the family—this recipe promises smiles all around!

What is Old Fashioned Goulash?

So, what on earth is Old Fashioned Goulash, and why does it sound like a dish someone’s grandma whipped up after a long day? Believe it or not, the name is as fun as the recipe itself! American goulash is a delightful mashup of ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni—a true tribute to the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I always joke that whoever coined the term was probably serving up seconds to a table full of hungry kids! Want to know what all the fuss is about? Head to your kitchen and give this beloved classic a try.

Why You’ll Love This Classic American Goulash

What’s not to love about a big pot of saucy, cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash? First, it’s a crowd-pleaser with its comforting blend of flavors and fork-tender macaroni, all blanketed in an irresistibly savory tomato sauce. Second, it’s a cost-saver—making this meal at home is way more economical than takeout or prepackaged dinners, especially when you’re feeding a family. Third, the melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese topping sends it over the top, adding lusciousness that keeps everyone coming back for more. If you love the hands-off ease and homestyle flavors in my One-Pot Cheesy Chili Mac, you’ll definitely want to put Old Fashioned Goulash on your “must-make” list this week. Gather your ingredients and prepare for pure comfort—your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash

Quick Overview: A Cozy, One-Pot Classic

Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate weeknight solution: it’s quick, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The recipe brings together classic flavors of ground beef, rich tomatoes, aromatic spices, and two kinds of melty cheese, all tossed with tender elbow macaroni. Best of all, you can have this satisfying dinner ready and on the table in just about 45 minutes—perfect for busy families or when you need an easy, soul-warming meal.

A bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash topped with melted cheese, served hot with garlic bread

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
3 cups chopped garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 cup black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Season the Mix: Add Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir again, then bring the mixture to a low simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
Add the Cheese: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Serve: Give everything a gentle stir, ladle into bowls, and serve hot!

What to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash With

Old Fashioned Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but rounding it out never hurts! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, warm garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the saucy goodness. For drinks, a simple iced tea or sparkling water balances the hearty flavors. A light, citrusy dessert like lemon bars or fresh fruit would be the perfect sweet finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Pasta Matters: Don’t overcook the macaroni—add it when the sauce is simmering and keep an eye on it. Slightly firm (al dente) is best since it will absorb even more flavor.
Use Quality Beef: For extra flavor, opt for ground chuck or an 80/20 blend.
Customize the Veggies: Feeling adventurous? Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach for added color and nutrition.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to swap the mozzarella and cheddar for colby jack or Monterey Jack, depending on what’s in your fridge.
Flavor Adjustments: Taste before serving and adjust spices if you’d like more heat (add a pinch of cayenne) or extra savoriness (try a splash of Worcestershire sauce).

Storing and Reheating Tips

Old Fashioned Goulash makes terrific leftovers. Store cooled goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For larger portions, reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work perfectly in this recipe.

Is it possible to make Old Fashioned Goulash gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free macaroni or pasta. Just watch the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can soften quickly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the goulash up to the cheese-melting step, cool, and store. Reheat and top with cheese just before serving for that fresh, gooey finish.

What can I use instead of Adobo seasoning?
If you don’t have Adobo, a blend of garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of turmeric makes a great substitute.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Add the macaroni to the simmering sauce and avoid overcooking. Stop when the pasta is just al dente, as it will soak up sauce while resting.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace, a taste of tradition, and a dish guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters. Packed with hearty beef, tender noodles, and rich tomato flavor all crowned by gooey melted cheese, it’s a timeless favorite that unites families at the dinner table. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a kitchen newbie, this simple, affordable recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget to check out other comfort classics on the blog, and make Old Fashioned Goulash the next heartwarming dish to share with your loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful!