Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and Italian seasoning. This classic American comfort food is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and can be topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red or green), diced
Pasta
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess fat from the pot to reduce grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue sautéing for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor depth if desired.
Keywords: goulash recipe, old fashioned goulash, ground beef goulash, comfort food, one pot meal, easy dinner