Print

Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot stew featuring tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika. This classic homestyle dish combines simple pantry staples to create a warm, nostalgic meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned evenly, breaking apart with a spoon to develop deep flavors and form the stew’s base.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove excess fat if desired, then add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Sauce: Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, mixing everything together to create a rich, saucy mixture.
  4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and add elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed. Once the noodles are cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened, the goulash is ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier results.
  • Don’t skip the paprika—it gives authentic flavor and vibrant color.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and maintain texture.
  • Simmer gently to meld flavors without overcooking the sauce.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken and deepen flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, Goulash, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Beef Stew, Hearty Dinner, Traditional Recipe, Paprika