Old-Fashioned Goulash (Easy, Hearty & Budget-Friendly)

If there’s one dish that brings generations of families to the table with satisfied smiles and full hearts, it’s Old-Fashioned Goulash. This simple, comforting, and downright delicious meal has been a staple in American kitchens for decades — combining ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and a handful of pantry staples into a hearty one-pot dinner that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

While the name “goulash” has Hungarian roots, this American-style goulash is its own beloved classic — a perfect balance of cozy nostalgia and everyday practicality. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it still feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

🍲 What Is Old-Fashioned Goulash?

Old-Fashioned Goulash, sometimes called American Chop Suey in the Northeast, is a comforting one-pot dish made from ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s different from Hungarian goulash, which uses chunks of beef, paprika, and potatoes — the American version is faster, simpler, and incredibly versatile.

This recipe was born out of practicality — using inexpensive, readily available ingredients to create a filling meal that stretches to feed a family. The flavors are humble yet deeply satisfying: savory beef, tender pasta, and a hint of tangy tomato all meld together into a deliciously nostalgic bite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
• One-pot simplicity: Less cleanup, more flavor!
• Budget-friendly: Made entirely from pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Family-approved: Comfort food that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

🧄 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Goulash

For the Base

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add aromatics:
   Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Build the sauce:
   Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer with broth:
   Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the uncooked macaroni.
5. Cook the pasta:
   Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. (Add a splash more broth if it gets too thick before the pasta is done.)
6. Finish the dish:
   Once the macaroni is cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Stir in half the cheese if using, and sprinkle the rest on top. Cover for 2–3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
7. Serve & enjoy:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. This goulash pairs perfectly with a green salad, garlic bread, or buttered rolls.

Old-Fashioned Goulash (Easy, Hearty & Budget-Friendly)

A one-pot American classic made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce — comforting, simple, and budget-friendly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Goulash Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1.5 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add elbow macaroni, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Stir in cheese if using and adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or extra cheese before serving. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• With Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up the sauce.
• With Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the goulash.
• With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted carrots, corn on the cob, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

💡 Tips for Perfect Goulash

1. Use the right pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can use shells, rotini, or penne in a pinch.
2. Adjust the consistency: Want it saucier? Add more broth or a splash of tomato juice. Prefer thicker? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
3. Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, comforting texture.
4. Boost the veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition.
5. For a smoky kick: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce.

🥣 Variations

• Classic Midwestern Goulash: Replace the Italian seasoning with just salt, pepper, and paprika for a more old-school flavor.
• Cheesy Goulash Bake: Transfer cooked goulash to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.
• Turkey or Chicken Goulash: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

🕰️ Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the base sauce (without the pasta) a day ahead. Reheat it, then add uncooked macaroni to cook fresh before serving.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce and revive the texture.

📜 Fun Fact: Goulash Through the Ages

Although Hungarian goulash and American goulash share a name, they evolved in very different directions. Hungarian goulash dates back to the 9th century as a hearty stew for herdsmen, rich with paprika and slow-cooked beef.

The American adaptation emerged in the early 20th century when home cooks sought affordable, filling meals during the Great Depression. By combining ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes — ingredients that stretched far and cost little — this one-pot wonder became a national favorite.

❤️ Why Old-Fashioned Goulash Stands the Test of Time

The magic of Old-Fashioned Goulash lies in its simplicity. It’s the kind of food that brings everyone together — no fuss, no fancy ingredients, just pure, satisfying comfort. Whether you’re feeding a large family, cooking for two, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both flavor and nostalgia in every bite.

It’s the ultimate definition of comfort food on a budget — hearty, homemade, and full of love.

🍴 Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g