1. Can I freeze leftover goulash?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onion first, then add everything (except the macaroni) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stir in the macaroni, and cook for another 30–45 minutes until the pasta is tender.

3. How do I make it vegetarian?

Easy! Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and swap in vegetable broth for the beef broth. All the cozy flavor, none of the meat.

Go for it! Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a melty, creamy finish. Or serve with a sprinkle on top.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Description

When your week’s been wild and you need something cozy and nostalgic, this one-pot Old Fashioned Goulash is here to save the day. Think tender macaroni, hearty ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce—it’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lbs lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 large bay leaves
1 cup low sodium beef broth (or chicken broth if using turkey)
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice (or stewed tomatoes)
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
2 teaspoons seasoned salt (like Johnny’s)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon paprika
2 cups uncooked small elbow macaroni

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (about 10 minutes). Spoon off excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, soy sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for 15–25 minutes, stirring a few times, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove and discard bay leaves. Serve hot!

Notes

Add an extra cup of broth for a soupier goulash. Stir in veggies like bell peppers or corn for a twist. Cheese lovers can mix in cheddar or mozzarella before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg