Dinner

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

BySimon Carel February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish packed with savory flavors and tender elbow macaroni. This classic one-pot meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy weeknight dinner.

The image shows a square white ceramic dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The bottom layer is pasta shaped like small curls, mixed with a rich red tomato sauce. On top of this pasta layer are browned ground beef pieces spread evenly. The entire dish is covered with melted golden-yellow cheese that looks gooey and slightly crispy in some areas. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a woman's hand is visible holding the side of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
1/3 cup olive oil
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef or turkey until it is half cooked, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and olive oil to the skillet and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
Step 3: Pour in the water and beef broth, then add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Adobo seasoning. Stir everything together well.
Step 4: Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, mix well to combine, then cover again and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 7: Add the shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving and give a quick stir to melt slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and low-sodium broth.
Try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish on a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath. The bottom layer is elbow macaroni pasta in light yellow color, mixed with cooked ground beef that is dark brown, and chunks of tomato in red. The top layer has melted cheese in a golden yellow shade that looks creamy and slightly oily. A spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left side. Behind the bowl, there is a yellow cooking pot with more of the same dish visible inside, sitting on a white cloth with red stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat thoroughly before serving, adding extra liquid if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I freeze leftover goulash?

This dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or water.