Old Fashioned Goulash

This Old Fashioned Goulash transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal. A perfect blend of tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that brings back memories of family dinners. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of flavors that have made this American classic a beloved staple. During my years cooking for busy families, this goulash became my go-to comfort dish. The first time I served it at a potluck, guests couldn't believe such simple ingredients could create such deep flavor.

Essential Ingredients Guide

Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for best flavor and texture Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape captures sauce perfectly Tomatoes: Both diced and sauce create ideal consistency Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce Italian Seasoning: Creates aromatic base notes Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and color

Creating Comfort Food Magic

Build The Base Brown beef thoroughly for maximum flavor development. Layer The Flavors Sauté aromatics until fragrant and tender. Perfect The Sauce Combine tomatoes and seasonings with care. Cook The Pasta Time carefully for ideal texture. Finish With Style Add optional cheese for extra richness.

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My grandmother always said, 'A good goulash needs time to let the flavors marry.' After countless pots, this wisdom proves true every time.

Enhance Your Experience

Serve alongside crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables. For extra comfort, top with freshly grated cheese and chopped parsley.

Creative Variations

Transform this dish by adding bell peppers, using different pasta shapes, or incorporating Italian sausage. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and whole wheat pasta.

Storage Success

Store in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore original consistency. Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that patience and attention to detail make all the difference. This goulash represents the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction, creating a meal that brings comfort to any table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze this goulash?

Yes! Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.

→ What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?

Any small pasta works - try shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cooking time similar to elbow macaroni.

→ How do I make it more kid-friendly?

Skip the black pepper, use mild paprika, and add extra cheese on top. Kids love it with garlic bread on the side!

→ Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes! Ground turkey works great. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is leaner than beef.

→ Why is my goulash too soupy?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.