Name: Old Fashioned Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce; 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Old Fashioned Goulash is the perfect comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dish brings together elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together and topped with melty cheddar cheese for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 pounds ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes

1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 3 minutes less than the box directions, then drain.

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions. Break the beef apart and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir until well combined.

Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

If your skillet is heat-safe, place it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake.

Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist.

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.

Different Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, I sometimes use mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Add Vegetables: Throw in some bell peppers, corn, or peas to add more veggies to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the goulash in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this goulash in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and bake when you're ready.

Can I freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?

Absolutely! Let the goulash cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

What kind of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

I typically use lean ground beef, but you can go for any fat content you prefer. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken would work well too.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onions in a skillet first, then combine with the rest of the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the dish is heated through and bubbly.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, I recommend using soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this recipe delivers satisfying results every time. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe:

Old Fashioned Goulash

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, cheesy comfort food made with elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together and topped with melty cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni for 3 minutes less than the box directions, then drain.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions. Break the beef apart and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir until well combined.
Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
If your skillet is heat-safe, place it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake.
Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash!

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist.

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.

Different Cheese: Use mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Add Vegetables: Throw in bell peppers, corn, or peas to add more veggies to the dish.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.