Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Craving a taste of home that’s both comforting and simple? Look no further than this classic Old Fashioned Goulash Dinner. Packed with tender ground beef, hearty elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato base, this recipe is the epitome of American comfort food. Just like Grandma used to make on cold evenings, this goulash is a nostalgic dish that always brings the family together around the dinner table.

The aroma of stewed tomatoes and the warmth of the spices will transport you back to cherished memories of breaking tomatoes by hand with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or savoring the deepened flavors as leftovers, this goulash is a versatile and satisfying meal that never fails to please. Whip up a batch today and experience the joy of a homemade meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Quick Benefits

• Classic Comfort Food: This old fashioned goulash is a classic American comfort food that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences by swapping proteins or using gluten-free pasta, making it suitable for various lifestyles.
• Great for Leftovers: Store leftovers easily in the fridge for a few days or freeze for future quick and satisfying meals.
• Family Favorite: A dish that brings families together, this goulash is simple to make and loved by all generations.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe

• Nostalgic Comfort: This old fashioned goulash recipe is reminiscent of classic American comfort food that will transport you back to simpler times and warm memories of family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With basic pantry staples like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato base, this recipe packs a punch of delicious flavor without requiring any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe by swapping ground meat, using gluten-free pasta, or adding extra veggies for a lighter or more colorful dish that suits your preferences and dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze individual portions for future quick and easy meals that taste just as good when reheated.
• Family Favorite: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this goulash brings everyone together with its hearty, comforting appeal that even the pickiest eaters, including toddlers, will love.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve this goulash with toasted bread, a green salad, grated cheddar, sour cream, or pickles for a complete and satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests or share this recipe with friends who will keep coming back for more, thanks to its delicious taste and the heartwarming memories it evokes.
• Easy and Budget-Friendly: Simple to make on a shoestring budget, this recipe is perfect for college students, busy families, or anyone looking for a delicious and comforting meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Seasonings

• Garlic salt to taste
• Chili powder to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Hot sauce to taste

Tomato Base

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) whole stewed tomatoes, with juices
• Tomato juice as needed
• 2 tablespoons ketchup

Pro Tips for Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Pro tips for making this old fashioned goulash dinner include using lean ground beef for a hearty flavor without excess grease. Customize the consistency by adding extra tomato juice, especially when reheating leftovers. For a fresher taste, dice fresh tomatoes and simmer them until they break down, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or penne for a fun twist that holds the sauce well. Consider adding extra flavors like sautéed garlic cloves or smoked paprika for a unique touch to this classic recipe.

How to Make Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Step 1: Cook Macaroni

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Onion

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Season Beef

Season beef mixture with garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to taste. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Ketchup

Mash whole stewed tomatoes in a bowl. Add mashed tomatoes, juices, and ketchup to the skillet. Stir well.

Step 5: Combine Macaroni

Gently mix the drained macaroni into the beef and tomato mixture until evenly combined.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Consistency

Adjust seasonings as necessary and add tomato juice for a saucier consistency or to moisten leftovers.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with extra seasonings and serve hot.

Storage Tips

After making the old fashioned goulash dinner, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept in the fridge for up to two or three days. To maintain the best texture when reheating, consider adding a splash of tomato juice or water to loosen up the sauce and pasta before serving. For longer storage, the goulash can also be frozen in single serving or family size containers. Remember to let it cool before packaging and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If the pasta has absorbed too much sauce, add a bit more tomato juice to reach your desired consistency.

When preparing the goulash, feel free to customize the dish based on your preferences. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or ground pork for a unique richness. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Consider adding diced fresh tomatoes or simmering garden tomatoes for a brighter, fresher taste. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by sautéing garlic with the onion, or incorporating smoked paprika and extra chili powder for a spicy kick. Experiment with different short pasta shapes like shells or penne for a variation in texture and presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, consider swapping the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Ground pork can also be used for a unique richness in flavor. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free pasta and adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

If you don’t have whole stewed tomatoes on hand, diced tomatoes can be substituted; just simmer a few minutes longer to ensure they soften fully. You can also dice fresh tomatoes for a brighter, fresher taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, such as adding sautéed garlic cloves with the onion, smoked paprika, or extra chili powder for added depth of flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like shells or penne if you don’t have elbow macaroni available.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping the old fashioned goulash with a generous sprinkle of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. The crunchy topping will contrast beautifully with the tender pasta and savory beef, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Consider serving the goulash in individual bread bowls for a fun and interactive dining experience. Simply hollow out small round loaves of bread, ladle the piping hot goulash into each bread bowl, and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Your guests will love tearing into the bread bowl and savoring every bite of this comforting classic dish.

FAQs for Classic Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

How should I store and reheat leftovers of this goulash?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of tomato juice or water to loosen things up before heating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this goulash for later consumption?

Yes, this goulash freezes well! Let it cool before packaging it in single serving or family-size containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of tomato juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by using gluten-free pasta, adding sweet corn or bell peppers for extra flavor, or topping each bowl with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

As you sit down at the table with a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash Dinner, take a moment to savor the rich flavors and the comforting nostalgia that this dish brings with each bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this classic American comfort food never fails to warm the soul. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and let its hearty goodness fill you up and leave you feeling content.

Remember, Old Fashioned Goulash Dinner isn’t just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane, a taste of home, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. So keep this recipe close at hand, make it your own with personal touches, and share it with those you hold dear. From my kitchen to yours, here’s to good food, good company, and the timeless appeal of a comforting bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash Dinner. Enjoy!