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–+ servings
image of fresh ground beef elbow macaroni tomato sauce diced tomatoes onions garlic beef broth Worcestershire sauce shredded cheddar cheese arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Old Fashioned Goulash

A comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with elbow macaroni, reminiscent of American nostalgia and perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Goulash
  • 1 lb 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1 bay leaf
  • 1 can 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • To taste To taste salt and black pepper
Optional for Serving
  • 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Slotted spoon,

Method
 

Brown the Beef & Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Push onions aside and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in smoked paprika and dried oregano. Cook for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, more salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and scrape up browned bits.
  4. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir the browned ground beef back in. Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Ensure pasta is submerged; add more broth if needed.
  6. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until macaroni is al dente. Remove bay leaf.
  7. Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (optional), cover until melted, or top servings. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 28gFat: 18g

Notes

This one-pot goulash thickens as it sits and reheats well. Store leftovers in airtight containers in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with splash of broth to loosen. Add hidden veggies like diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Pair with crusty bread or a simple salad.
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