There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash that takes you right back to grandmother’s kitchen. This hearty American-style goulash (not to be confused with its Hungarian cousin) is a beloved staple that has graced family dinner tables for generations, earning its place in the pantheon of classic comfort foods.
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Why You’ll Love This Classic American Goulash
This humble dish, sometimes affectionately called “American Chop Suey” in parts of the United States, emerged during the Great Depression as a way to stretch simple ingredients into a filling meal. It’s a perfect testament to American ingenuity in the kitchen – combining ground beef, macaroni, and tomatoes into something far greater than the sum of its parts. While today’s pantries might be fuller, the appeal of this budget-friendly, satisfying dish hasn’t diminished one bit.
What makes this Old Fashioned Goulash particularly special is its ability to unite simplicity with satisfaction. The marriage of tender elbow macaroni and seasoned ground beef, swimming in a rich tomato sauce that’s been lovingly spiced with paprika and other warming seasonings, creates a dish that’s both unpretentious and utterly delicious. The tomato sauce, enhanced by slow simmering, develops a depth of flavor that coats each piece of pasta perfectly, while the beef adds a hearty richness that makes this dish truly stick to your ribs.
You should make this recipe not just for its fantastic flavor, but for its incredible versatility and practicality. It’s one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable – you can easily adjust the seasonings to your family’s taste or add extra vegetables to boost its nutritional value. It’s also a champion at feeding a crowd without breaking the bank, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
Perhaps most importantly, this is the kind of recipe that creates memories. It’s the dish that children request when they come home from college, the one that neighbors ask for the recipe for, and the one that somehow always tastes better when shared with loved ones. In a world of trendy food fads and complicated cooking techniques, Old Fashioned Goulash stands as a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones that have stood the test of time.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a cherished childhood memory or simply want to add a reliable, delicious recipe to your repertoire, this Old Fashioned Goulash deserves a place in your kitchen. It’s comfort food at its finest – straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
- Reheat in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or broth
Old Fashioned Goulash stands as a testament to the enduring power of comfort food, representing a perfect fusion of simplicity and satisfaction. This American-style dish, distinct from its Hungarian namesake, has been a cherished part of family dinner tables for generations, offering warmth and nourishment in every bite. Born during leaner times, this adaptable recipe combines humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
What You’ll Need
What sets this dish apart is its remarkable ability to bring people together. The aromatic blend of seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce creates an inviting atmosphere that draws family members to the kitchen, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of flavors – the savory meat, the sweet undertones of tomatoes, and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta.
This recipe has stood the test of time not just for its delicious results, but for its practical benefits as well. It’s an economical choice that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal capable of feeding a crowd. Its versatility allows for endless customization, whether you’re adding extra vegetables for nutrition or adjusting seasonings to suit your family’s preferences. The dish also represents the kind of cooking wisdom passed down through generations – teaching us that the most satisfying meals often come from straightforward, time-tested recipes rather than complicated culinary techniques.
OLD FASHIONED GOULASH RECIPE
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water if needed
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks (8-10 minutes).
- Add diced onions to the beef and cook until translucent (5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Add all seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add bay leaves.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add uncooked macaroni to the pot. If mixture seems too thick, add up to 1 cup of water.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Optional: Top with shredded cheese while still hot.
Notes
Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option
Adjust liquid amount based on desired consistency
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking
Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – it adds crucial depth of flavor
If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta as it will soften when reheated
