Description

This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe combines tender ground beef or turkey with savory garlic, onions, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, simmered to perfection with elbow macaroni. Finished with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this hearty one-pan meal is comforting and family-friendly, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/3 cup olive oil

Liquids and Tomatoes

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup beef broth
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes

Seasonings

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef or turkey until it is half cooked. Then remove from heat temporarily.
Add Aromatics and Continue Cooking: To the partially cooked meat, add minced garlic, diced onions, and olive oil. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer Covered: Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni thoroughly so that it is evenly distributed within the sauce.
Simmer Again: Cover the skillet again and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Remove Bay Leaves and Add Cheddar: Once cooked, remove all bay leaves from the skillet. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the goulash.
Add Mozzarella and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly. Enjoy your comforting Old Fashioned Goulash!

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for additional time.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: goulash, old fashioned goulash, ground beef recipe, one pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta and beef, stovetop goulash