Name: Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef or turkey; 3 tsp minced garlic; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 1/2 cups water; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce; 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes; 1 T Italian seasoning; 1 T Adobo seasoning; 3 bay leaves; 1 T seasoned salt; 1/2 T black pepper; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Introduction

Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal packed with savory ground meat, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic dish brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

The image shows a yellow pot filled with a mix of elbow macaroni pasta, chunky red tomato pieces, browned ground meat, and small bits of onion, all coated in a thick, rich reddish-brown sauce. The elbow pasta is creamy beige and curved, sitting on top and mixed throughout evenly with the meat and tomatoes. The meat is crumbly and dark brown, while the tomatoes add vibrant red color contrast. The pot is placed on a white cloth with red stripes, sitting on a wooden table surface replaced by a white marbled texture. The photo captures a warm, hearty dish full of texture and color, looking like a comforting pasta stew. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
1/3 cup olive oil
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef or turkey until it is half cooked. Remove from heat temporarily.
Step 2: Add minced garlic, diced onion, and olive oil to the skillet with the meat. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Step 3: Pour in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Adobo seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir thoroughly to blend it with the sauce and meat.
Step 6: Cover again and simmer for about 30 minutes until the macaroni is tender and the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Remove the bay leaves from the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 8: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use low-sodium broth.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap elbow macaroni for any short pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or shells.
Mix in fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving for added freshness.
If you like it cheesier, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a mix of elbow macaroni pasta, browned ground meat, and chunky red tomato pieces, all covered in melted yellow cheddar cheese that gives a creamy texture on top; a silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left side, with a yellow cooking pot partly visible in the background on a white marbled surface and the bowl resting on a red cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative depending on your preference.

Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?

No, the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce during the simmering process, absorbing all the flavors for a more cohesive dish.