Craving a hearty, feel-good meal that’s as easy as it is delicious? This Old-Fashioned Goulash hits all the right notes—savory, saucy, and full of nostalgic charm.
Think: tender ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, rich tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni simmered to perfection—all in one pot. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy families, potlucks, or anyone who just wants something satisfying without the fuss. Bonus? It tastes even better the next day!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Goulash:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1½ cups beef broth
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2 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
For Serving (Optional):
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh chopped parsley
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Build the Flavor
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings (Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper).
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the Pasta
Mix in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and infused with flavor.
🔥 Pro Tip: If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
4. Serve It Up!
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the goulash.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm—ideally with a slice of crusty bread.
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