Simple Old Fashioned Goulash
A classic old-fashioned goulash made with ground beef, tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and simple pantry spices. This comforting one-pot meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
Pasta & Garnish
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
- to serve fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes until macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. Let goulash rest a few minutes to thicken. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if desired and cover briefly to melt. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste with the garlic for richer flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
