Cooking has always been about simple, comforting meals that bring people together, just like the inspiration behind Eminent Recipes. This old fashioned American goulash recipe reflects that same passion easy, hearty, and made with everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of dish you can rely on after a long day, combining rich flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this classic one-pot meal delivers warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction every single time.
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Old Fashioned American Goulash
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic American goulash is simple, budget-friendly, and full of nostalgic flavor just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):
For the Goulash:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups water or beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
1 green bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
½ cup frozen corn or peas
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, and all seasonings. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Stir in uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheese if using until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese at the end.
- Make Ahead: Flavors deepen after resting—perfect for leftovers.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Texture Tip: If reheating, add a little broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This old fashioned American goulash recipe is the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and flavor. If you’re searching for the best goulash recipe ever, this dish checks every box with its rich tomato base, tender macaroni, and savory ground beef. It’s a true one-pot meal that saves time without sacrificing taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
What makes this old fashioned goulash recipe stand out is its flexibility. You can easily customize it with vegetables, spices, or extra cheese to suit your taste. Whether you’re recreating grandma’s old fashioned goulash or trying a traditional goulash recipe easy enough for beginners, this dish adapts beautifully.
This best ever American goulash is also budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples to create a filling meal. It reheats well, tastes even better the next day, and is perfect for meal prep. From quick dinners to comforting leftovers, this recipe delivers classic flavor with modern ease.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This old fashioned American goulash recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni forms the base of this best ever American goulash, while seasonings like paprika and Italian herbs enhance its classic flavor. Fresh onion and garlic add depth, while optional vegetables and cheese allow you to customize your traditional goulash recipe easy style.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Goulash:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup frozen corn or peas
How to Make This Recipe
Making this old fashioned American goulash recipe is simple and efficient, perfect for anyone looking for a traditional goulash recipe easy enough for everyday cooking. The process starts by browning ground beef to build a rich base, followed by layering tomato flavors and cooking the pasta directly in the same pot. This method ensures the best ever American goulash texture, where every bite is infused with savory sauce.
🛒 Steps:
- Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic
- Mix in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth
- Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Bring to a gentle simmer and stir well
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot
- Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Once pasta is tender, stir in cheese if desired
- Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving
Expert Cooking Tips
Perfecting an old fashioned American goulash recipe comes down to technique and balance. Using quality ground beef and allowing it to brown properly builds a deeper flavor base, essential for achieving the best goulash recipe ever. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce helps absorb all the rich flavors, giving this best ever American goulash its signature texture.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Brown ground beef thoroughly for deeper flavor in your old fashioned goulash recipe
- Use beef broth instead of water to enhance richness
- Stir occasionally to prevent macaroni from sticking
- Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain the perfect consistency
- Customize with vegetables for a traditional goulash recipe easy variation
- Let the dish rest before serving to thicken naturally
- Taste and adjust seasoning for the best ever American goulash results
FAQs
What is the best meat for old fashioned American goulash recipe?
Ground beef is the most common choice, offering rich flavor and the perfect texture for this classic dish.
Can I make a traditional goulash recipe easy in advance?
Yes, this best ever American goulash tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
How do I keep my old fashioned goulash recipe from drying out?
Add a little broth or water when reheating to keep the sauce smooth and flavorful.
Can I customize the best goulash recipe ever?
Absolutely, you can add vegetables, spices, or extra cheese to suit your taste preferences.
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This old fashioned American goulash recipe is the perfect example of simple ingredients creating a truly satisfying meal. From its rich tomato base to tender pasta and savory beef, it delivers everything you want in a comfort dish. Whether you’re looking for the best ever American goulash or a traditional goulash recipe easy enough for busy nights, this recipe fits effortlessly into your routine. It’s reliable, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.