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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This classic Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, it makes a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the goulash later.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 3 minutes less than the package directions to keep it slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine these flavorful components.
  6. Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and taste the sauce, adjusting seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
  7. Mix Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture. Stir to evenly combine all ingredients.
  8. Bake: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake on the middle rack for the same amount of time.

Notes

  • To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder as a shortcut.
  • For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat version.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American