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Hearty Old-Fashioned Goulash

A comforting, one-pot American classic featuring tender ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a savory sauce. The ultimate easy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Goulash Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 cups dry elbow macaroni
For Serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. To the pot, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Uncover the pot and stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Goulash will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of beef broth when reheating leftovers if desired. For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and mild Italian sausage.