Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. Originating from Hungary, goulash has evolved over the years, and the American version has become a beloved comfort food. This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. The first time I made this dish was during a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly became a family favorite due to its warmth and satisfying flavors. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details of making this classic comfort food.
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 ½ Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cans tomato sauce
½ Tbsp black pepper
2 pounds ground beef
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Macaroni
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure it’s ready for the final baking step.
Boil the Water:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Cook the Macaroni:
Once the water is boiling, add 1 pound of elbow macaroni.
Cook the macaroni for 3 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This will ensure the pasta is al dente and will not become mushy during the baking process.
Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over high heat.
Cook the Beef and Onions:
Add 2 pounds of ground beef and the finely chopped onion to the skillet.
Break the beef apart with a spoon or spatula and cook for about 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Drain the excess fat from the skillet to remove any unwanted grease.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add Garlic:
Mix in 3 cloves of minced garlic into the beef and onion mixture.
Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Add Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes:
Add 2 cans of tomato sauce and 2 cans of petite diced tomatoes to the skillet.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add Worcestershire Sauce:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Season the Sauce:
Add 1 ½ tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ½ tablespoon of black pepper to the skillet.
Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Macaroni and Cheese
Mix in Macaroni and Cheese:
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the macaroni is well coated with the sauce.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the goulash.
Step 6: Bake the Goulash
Transfer to Baking Dish:
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake the goulash directly in the skillet. If not, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish.
Bake:
Place the goulash in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the Oven:
Carefully remove the goulash from the oven.
Serve:
Let the goulash cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Use vegetable broth instead of tomato sauce for added depth of flavor.
Different Proteins:
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to lighten the dish.
Add cooked sausage or bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Twist:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef for a spicier flavor profile.
Cheese Variations:
Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
Additional Vegetables:
Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
Sauté the vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding them to the sauce.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni to make the dish gluten-free.
Ensure that all canned products and seasonings used are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this goulash a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With various options to customize and adapt the recipe to different dietary preferences, it remains versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes. Enjoy making and sharing this classic dish with your loved ones, and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
