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Old-Fashioned Goulash: 6 Easy Steps for Comfort Food

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

This beloved Southern classic combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce in one satisfying pot. Unlike its Hungarian ancestor, this American interpretation embraces simplicity and speed, delivering homestyle goodness in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food without the fuss.

  • Total Time30 minutes
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce

  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained (14.5 oz))
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Pasta & Finish

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and beef is well browned. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving 1-2 tablespoons.
  2. Add Onion and Soften: Stir in chopped onion and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and tender.
  3. Incorporate Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  4. Build the Tomato Base: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in uncooked macaroni and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most liquid.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using and let melt. Let rest 5 minutes before serving hot.

Notes

Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce infuses it with flavor. Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce—it adds essential umami depth. The dish thickens as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating leftovers.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 22

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/old-fashioned-goulash-6-easy-steps-for-comfort-food/