Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

🥘 Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

🧾 Introduction

Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that has been loved across generations. Inspired by the traditional Hungarian dish Goulash, this American-style version is simpler, faster, and made with pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings.

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🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 380–450 kcal
• Protein: 20–25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
• Fat: 15–20 g
• Fiber: 4–6 g
• Sodium: 500–700 mg

Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.

Step 5: Season

Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Combine

Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 7: Optional Cheese Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.

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🔄 Methods of Cooking

• One-Pot Method: Cook everything in one pot to save time and reduce cleanup.
• Oven-Baked Method: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef first, then combine all ingredients (except pasta) and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add cooked pasta at the end.

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📜 History

The original Hungarian goulash dates back to medieval Hungary, where shepherds cooked meat stews over open fires. It was heavily spiced with paprika and often included chunks of beef and vegetables. When immigrants brought the dish to America, it evolved into this simpler, pasta-based comfort meal.

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🧪 Formation (How It Comes Together)

This dish is a perfect balance of:

• Protein: from ground beef
• Carbohydrates: from pasta
• Acidity & richness: from tomatoes
• Flavor depth: from spices and slow simmering

The starch from the pasta absorbs the sauce, creating a thick, rich texture.

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❤️ Lovers of This Dish

Old-Fashioned Goulash is loved by:

• Families looking for affordable, filling meals
• Students and busy workers needing quick recipes
• Fans of comfort food and nostalgic dishes
• Anyone who enjoys rich tomato-based pasta meals

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🏁 Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of comfort and tradition. With its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and flexible cooking methods, it’s a recipe you can easily adapt to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish always delivers warmth and satisfaction.

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