🇺🇸 Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Hearty, simple, nostalgic — a one-pot comfort food favorite.

 Prep & Cook Time

Ingredients

 Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra texture)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

 Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a kick)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (to stir in at the end)

• 1 green bell pepper, diced (for a classic twist)

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until translucent.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

 2. Brown the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the pot.

2. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink.

3. Drain off excess grease if needed.

 3. Season & Add Tomato Base

1. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste.

2. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing spices to bloom and tomato paste to caramelize.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using).

 4. Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour in beef broth or water.

2. Drop in a bay leaf for aroma.

3. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

 5. Add the Macaroni

1. Stir in elbow macaroni.

2. Cover and cook for another 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.

 Important: Stir often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

 6. Final Touches

1. Remove bay leaf.

2. (Optional) Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish.

3. Adjust seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, herbs).

 7. Serve Hot

• Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese.

• Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or simply on its own!

 Serving Suggestions

 Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

 Nutritional values depend on brand, cheese, and serving size.

 Tips for Success

• Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor. Drain excess fat for a lighter version.

• Don’t overcook the macaroni — it continues to soften in the hot sauce even after turning off the heat.

• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.

• Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne.

• Want it more veggie-heavy? Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach toward the end of cooking.

 Variations

 Storage & Reheating

 For freezing, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.

 What Makes It “Old-Fashioned”?

• Simple ingredients – no fancy gadgets or exotic spices.

• One-pot meal – easy cleanup and straightforward.

• Hearty and filling – stretches ground beef for family meals.

• Nostalgic flavor – tastes like grandma’s comfort dish.

 The tomato base, tender macaroni, and savory ground beef make it an American classic from school lunches to church potlucks.

 Perfect For…

• Quick weeknight dinners

• Cold winter nights

• Meal prep or freezer meals

• Feeding a crowd

• Picky eaters (kid-approved!)

 Recipe Card Summary

Name: Old-Fashioned American Goulash
Type: One-pot pasta casserole
Cuisine: American comfort food
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~30–40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Main flavors: Tomato, beef, garlic, spices
Texture: Saucy, soft pasta, chunky meat
Best served: Hot, with crusty bread