There's something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of old-fashioned goulash. With its tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this dish is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food. Every bite is packed with hearty flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals from childhood.

I first discovered this recipe through my grandmother, who made it on chilly evenings when the whole family gathered around the dinner table. It’s simple, filling, and incredibly satisfying—a true one-pot wonder that makes dinner a breeze.

Why You'll Love This Old-Fashioned Goulash

Get ready to add this old-fashioned goulash to your list of favorite comfort foods. It's an easy, family-friendly meal that brings everyone together with its hearty goodness.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and one pot, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.

This dish is also budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes, you can feed an entire family without breaking the bank.

Not only is it a complete meal in itself, but it’s also versatile. You can adjust the seasonings, swap out proteins, or add vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this goulash lies in its combination of basic yet flavorful ingredients. Each component works together to create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Ground beef is the base of this dish, adding a hearty and savory depth. Opt for an 80/20 blend to keep it juicy without being too greasy. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.

Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice, soaking up the sauce perfectly. If you want to switch things up, try using rotini or shells for a fun twist on texture.

Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the heart of the sauce, giving it a robust, slightly tangy flavor. For a richer taste, you can add a bit of tomato paste or fire-roasted tomatoes.

Garlic and onions bring out the dish’s deep, savory notes. Sautéing them before adding the beef enhances their sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.

A few seasonings—paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—give this goulash its signature taste. If you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.

How To Make This Old-Fashioned Goulash

Making this classic goulash is a straightforward process, perfect for busy weeknights. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to serve.

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Next, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a rich, savory aroma.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a bit of water or beef broth. Stir everything together, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni separately until just al dente. Drain and add it to the pot, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors fully absorb into the pasta.

Once everything is well combined and heated through, your old-fashioned goulash is ready to serve. Enjoy it piping hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, storing this goulash is simple and keeps the flavors just as delicious the next day. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to four days, keeping it fresh and ready for quick meals. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove with a splash of water or broth to maintain the texture.

To reheat, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, warm it over low heat while stirring occasionally.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this goulash recipe is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it to fit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. It lightens up the dish while keeping it just as flavorful.

Want to add more vegetables? Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.

To make it spicier, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a little heat without overpowering the flavors.

If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own. However you customize it, this old-fashioned goulash will always be a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.