Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2- 15 ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Tips for Making Goulash

• Make it ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftover goulash for easy lunches.
• Cheese options: Are you a cheese-loving family? Add extra cheese on top or mix in some mozzarella. 
• Add veggies: Add in a chopped green bell pepper, mushrooms, corn, or zucchini when you sauté the onions. Add in baby spinach at the end of cook time.   
• Add in beans: This dish can be transformed into a whole new meal by kidney beans or chili beans. 
• Spice it up: If your family likes spice, try adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños in with the tomatoes.
• Change Meat: Don’t want to use two pounds of beef? Use a single pound of ground beef and one pound Italian sausage. Try adding in some ground chicken or ground turkey. 

Print Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe Here

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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2- 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat on the stove top. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking apart chunks of beef with a spoon until it's browned. Browning the beef will provide the most flavor. Make sure to cook the beef until it has a nice dark brown. Drain any excess fat, then toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent—about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix everything together and let the flavors come to life by bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes. If you have extra time, allow to simmer 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. While totally optional, it does intensify the flavors and result in a richer and deeply savory sauce.
3. Add in the macaroni noodles. Stir the uncooked pasta into the pot, cover it again, and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. The pasta will cook right in the savory sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors.
4. Once the pasta is al dente and tender, remove the bay leaves and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir the cheese in until it's fully melted and incorporated into the goulash, making the sauce even creamier and more irresistible.
5. Your old-fashioned goulash is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top. Serve with homemade breadsticks or dinner rolls. 

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FAQs

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or Crockpot?

• Instant Pot: Brown the beef in the Instant Pot before adding in everything but the cheese. Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and do a quick release. Then add cheese. 
• Slow Cooker: Brown the beef and then add in all ingredients except noodles. Cover and cook 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 on low (can let simmer on low up to 8 hours). Turn to high and add the pasta in the last 30-45 minutes. 

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Alternatively, goulash freezes well in freezer safe Ziploc bags for up to one month.

Can You Freeze American Goulash?

To freeze, cool the meat sauce, then store it in a labeled, airtight container and freeze. Avoid freezing with noodles to prevent mushiness. For serving, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water or tomato sauce if needed.

Why This Goulash Recipe Works

The combination of lean ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni creates a nostalgic flavor that feels like home. The Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce add depth, while the cheddar cheese brings a delicious creaminess that ties everything together. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and comforting, without being too complicated.