Old Fashioned Goulash: A Hearty Comfort Dish That Never Goes Out of Style
In a world full of trendy fusion dishes and gourmet gadgets, sometimes it’s the simple, time-tested meals that bring us the most joy. Old Fashioned Goulash is one of those classic recipes — humble, hearty, and absolutely satisfying.
It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with rich, savory aromas and warms you from the inside out. A one-pot wonder that’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd — or freezing for later.
Whether you grew up eating it around your grandmother’s table or you’re discovering it for the first time, this is comfort food at its finest.
🍲 What Is Old Fashioned Goulash?
Not to be confused with Hungarian goulash (which is a paprika-heavy stew), American-style Old Fashioned Goulash is more of a casserole-style dish, typically made with:
Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes
Onions, garlic, and simple spices
Sometimes cheese (because… why not?)
It’s sometimes called “American Chop Suey” in the Northeast or “Slumgullion” in other regions, but no matter the name, it delivers one thing: big-time comfort.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into a classic old-fashioned goulash:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Optional: bay leaf or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional flavor boosters. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on low heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.
5. Make It Cheesy (Optional)
If using cheese, stir in the shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top and cover until melted.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
🔄 Tips & Variations
