Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe is a comforting one-pot wonder made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and cheese. Quick, hearty, and kid-approved—perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
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Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
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Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms
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Monterey Jack or Colby cheese
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Gluten-free pasta
Instructions
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Brown the Meat:
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onions are soft. -
Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and paste. Add seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes. -
Cook the Pasta:
In a separate pot, cook macaroni until al dente. Drain. -
Combine:
Stir cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. Let it all meld for 3–5 minutes. -
Cheesy Finish (Optional):
Top with shredded cheese. Cover until melted. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
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Make it Creamy: Add a splash of cream or sour cream for richness.
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Add Heat: Use red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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For Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving – 300g
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: old fashioned goulash, ground beef goulash, one-pot pasta, easy family meals