Why Make This Recipe
Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ingredients into a warm and delicious meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying and filling meal that can please everyone at the table. Plus, it is a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to wash later!
Whether you are a busy parent looking for a quick dinner option or someone simply craving a taste of nostalgia, Old Fashioned Goulash delivers. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this recipe brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings, making it a perfect choice for today’s busy lifestyles.
How to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
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)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly, giving the dish a delicious bubbly top.
Cook the Elbow Macaroni
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. It is best to drain the macaroni when it is slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Brown the Ground Beef
- While the macaroni cooks, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 pounds of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Add Onion and Garlic
- Once the beef is browned, add 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft, which should take around 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in!
Add the Sauces and Seasoning
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, then add 2 (15 oz) cans of tomato sauce and 2 (14.5 oz) cans of petit diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season the mixture with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Combine the Mixtures
- Once the sauce is well mixed, it’s time to combine. Add the drained macaroni to the meat sauce mixture and stir well. Make sure all the macaroni is coated with the sauce.
Add the Cheese
- Before transferring everything to the casserole dish, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a wonderful creamy texture and flavor to the goulash.
Bake the Goulash
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly and make sure it’s all packed in. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the goulash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the layers to set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash can be served directly from the casserole dish. Many people enjoy it on its own, but you can enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve it with a side of warm garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
For those who love a little heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or serving it with pickled jalapeños on the side. It’s also great for leftovers, and many say it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.
How to Store Old Fashioned Goulash
To store any leftover Old Fashioned Goulash, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the goulash. Simply portion it out in freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Old Fashioned Goulash
Perfect Pasta: Ensure you don’t overcook the elbow macaroni initially. Since it gets baked later on, you want it to remain slightly al dente.
Season it Up: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice it up nicely!
Cheese Choices: You can mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, with cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak more vegetables into this dish, consider stirring in some bell peppers, corn, or even spinach before baking.
One-Pot Wonder: For an even easier cleanup, you can make the meat mixture in one larger pot instead of a separate skillet, as long as you can transfer it to a baking dish.
Variation
Old Fashioned Goulash is versatile! Here are some ideas for variations you can try:
Mexican Goulash: Add in beans, corn, and taco seasoning to give the dish a spicy Mexican flair.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth and add diced zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor.
Classic Style Tune-Up: For a more traditional approach, you could omit the cheese and serve the goulash topped with grated Parmesan when serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make Old Fashioned Goulash ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the goulash up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may want to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. How can I make Old Fashioned Goulash spicier?
If you like heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a kicked-up version.
3. Is Old Fashioned Goulash healthy?
While goulash is hearty and filling, it can also be made healthier by using lean ground meat, whole wheat pasta, and adding lots of vegetables. Adjusting the cheese to reduce fat content can also help.
4. What should I serve with Old Fashioned Goulash?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp salad. You might also enjoy it with some crusty bread for dipping.
5. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work just as well in this recipe.
Old Fashioned Goulash is a simple and comforting dish that makes for a delicious meal any time of the year. From its rich flavors and easy preparation to its versatility, it is a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your cooking!
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Old Fashioned Goulash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A classic comfort food combining hearty ingredients into a delicious one-pot meal that pleases everyone at the table.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until slightly undercooked.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and brown the ground beef for 6-8 minutes.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add drained macaroni to the meat sauce and stir to combine.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese before transferring the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, cool for a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
Consider garnishing with fresh herbs and serving with garlic bread or salad for a complete meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg