Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. This classic American recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for about 3 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef as it cooks, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes until well combined.
6. Step 6: Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the beef mixture before adding the tomato sauce.
• Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melty top.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Ensure that your canned tomatoes and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the goulash but hold off on baking it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting American casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the goulash.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 3 minutes less than the package directions indicate to keep it slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
3. Brown the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish leaner.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add Sauces: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, canned tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined to build the flavorful sauce base.
6. Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet with the meat sauce. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Bake the Goulash: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbling and the cheese has melted completely. If the skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake under the same conditions.

Notes

• For convenience, use a heat-safe skillet to eliminate the need for transferring to a baking dish.
• Adjust the salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein variation.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash,American Goulash,Hearty Casserole,Ground Beef Pasta Casserole,Cheesy Goulash