Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni & Cheese
A hearty, one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious!
This Easy Homemade American Goulash Recipe is the kind of cozy comfort food that warms you from the inside out—tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich, savory tomato sauce all come together in a single pot for the ultimate family dinner.
If you love Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni, hearty Classic Meals Dinners, and comforting pasta recipes, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this Goulash Recipe Simple is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without a sink full of dishes.
Packed with seasoned beef, onions, garlic, cheddar cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, it’s everything you love about classic comfort food in one easy recipe. Bonus? Less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni & Cheese
- A cozy, hearty dinner made with simple pantry staples and ground beef.
- Perfect for fans of Simple Goulash Recipes Ground Beef and American Goulash Recipes Easy.
- Rich and flavorful with a delicious Goulash With Tomato Sauce base.
- Loaded with cheesy comfort thanks to melted cheddar cheese—great for lovers of Goulash Recipes With Cheese.
- A budget-friendly one-pot meal that’s ideal for busy families and weeknight dinners.
- Easy to customize with peppers, onions, or extra seasoning inspired by Peppers And Ground Beef Recipes and Pepper Onion Recipe ideas.
- A comforting homemade classic that tastes even better the next day!
- Great for anyone searching for How To Make Goulash With Ground Beef or an easy old-fashioned family recipe.
Ingredients For This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni & Cheese
- Ground Beef – The hearty base of this cozy one-pot meal and the star ingredient in many Simple Goulash Recipes Ground Beef fans love. It adds rich flavor and makes this Easy Homemade American Goulash Recipe extra filling and comforting.
- Onion – Diced onion is sautéed until soft and flavorful, adding savory depth to this classic comfort food. Combined with beef and seasonings, it creates the homemade flavor found in traditional Classic Meals Dinners.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives this Goulash Recipe Simple a warm, aromatic flavor that makes every bite even more delicious.
- Water & Beef Base – This flavorful combination creates the rich broth that helps the pasta cook perfectly while enhancing the hearty beef flavor in this comforting one-pot dinner.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – These ingredients make the rich and savory Goulash With Tomato Sauce base that gives American goulash its classic flavor and cozy texture.
- Bay Leaves – Bay leaves slowly infuse the dish with subtle earthy flavor while the goulash simmers, adding even more depth to this old-fashioned recipe.
- Soy Sauce – A simple secret ingredient that adds savory umami flavor and enhances the richness of the ground beef and tomato sauce.
- Seasoned Salt – This flavorful seasoning blend ties everything together and gives the dish its classic homemade taste.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds comforting flavor and makes this recipe taste like one of your favorite American Goulash Recipes Easy family dinners.
- Paprika – Just a touch adds balanced seasoning and extra savory flavor to this cozy comfort dish.
- Black Pepper – Just a touch adds balanced seasoning and extra savory flavor to this cozy comfort dish.
- Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta used in every great Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni. It cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheddar creates a creamy, cheesy finish that makes this one of the best Goulash Recipes With Cheese for cozy weeknight dinners.
- Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich, hearty flavors of this comforting American goulash recipe.
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe With Elbow Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp beef base or bouillon
- 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- In a large stockpot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Remove from the pot, drain excess grease, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Goulash
- Return the ground beef to the pot.
- Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, bay leaves, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.
Finish & Serve
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
1. What is the difference between American goulash and beef stew goulash?
While both are hearty comfort foods, Beef Stew Goulash is usually more like a thick stew with chunks of beef and vegetables, while American goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This Easy Homemade American Goulash Recipe is all about simple ingredients, cheesy comfort, and easy weeknight cooking.
2.Can I make this goulash recipe with cheese?
Absolutely! Melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy, comforting finish that makes this one of the best Goulash Recipes With Cheese. Stir the cheese in at the end for a rich and cozy texture the whole family will love.
3.How do I keep American goulash from getting dry?
The secret to perfect Goulash With Tomato Sauce is making sure there’s enough liquid while the pasta cooks. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if needed. Cooking the elbow macaroni directly in the sauce helps it soak up all the delicious flavor without drying out.
4.Can I add peppers to this recipe?
Yes! Bell peppers are a delicious addition inspired by Peppers And Ground Beef Recipes and classic Pepper Onion Recipe combinations. Green or red peppers add extra flavor, texture, and color to this hearty one-pot meal.
5. Is American goulash a good weeknight dinner?
Definitely! This American Goulash Recipes Easy favorite is perfect for busy nights because everything cooks in one pot. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and one of those timeless Classic Meals Dinners that always brings everyone back for seconds.
Enjoy this warm, comforting meal with your favorite side salad or a slice of crusty bread!
