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Indulge in the comforting embrace of Old-Fashioned Goulash, where each bite reveals a symphony of warm, savory flavors. This dish features tender ground meat, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, and a gooey richness that creates a delightful one-pot meal.
A true comfort food classic, this goulash blends the rich essence of Italian and adobo flavors with tender elbow macaroni, all topped off with a luscious layer of melted cheese that will have you coming back for seconds!
Discover the Charm of This Classic Goulash
✔ A Family Favorite – This cheesy pasta dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike!
✔ Deliciously Affordable – Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly, hearty dish.
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, easy cleanup, and maximum comfort in every bite!
✔ Deeply Satisfying – The flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm, nourishing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Essential Components
Ground Meat
- For a classic taste – Use ground beef for rich, deep flavor.
- For a lighter option – Ground turkey offers a leaner yet equally delicious alternative.
Italian Seasoning
A fragrant blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that brings a beautifully herbaceous depth to the dish.
Adobo Seasoning
This adds a smoky, tangy depth of flavor. No adobo on hand? Mix garlic powder, oregano, and a hint of cumin for a homemade blend that does the trick!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it into small pieces.
- Cook until browned and almost fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- If the pan lacks grease, drizzle in olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Lower heat to medium and sauté diced yellow onion and minced garlic for 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Return the browned meat to the pan.
- Stir in:
- Water
- Beef broth
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Stir well to blend flavors and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
- Add a symphony of seasonings:
- Italian seasoning
- Adobo seasoning
- Bay leaves
- Seasoned salt
- Black pepper
- Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
Pro Tip: The magic of garlic and seasoning truly elevates the dish—don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Simmer for Deep Flavor
- Lower heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This slow simmering allows the meat to absorb the rich tomato flavors and the spices to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Macaroni in the Sauce
- Add elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce.
- Stir well, ensuring every pasta piece is coated in the sauce.
- Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent pasta from clumping together.
Step 7: Stir in Cheddar Cheese
- Once the pasta is tender, remove the bay leaves.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Step 8: Top with Mozzarella Cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top just before removing from heat.
- Let it rest for 1-2 minutes, allowing the heat to gently melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey layer.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve this warm and comforting goulash straight from the pot!
Extra Indulgence? Add an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a standalone meal, but here are some delicious pairings to elevate your experience:
1. Garlic Bread
A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce.
2. Side Salad
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of goulash.
3. Steamed Vegetables
Pair with green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
4. Wine Pairing
- Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the deep tomato flavors.
- White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Perfect for easy, future meals—just thaw and reheat!
Reheating
✔ Microwave: Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
✔ Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Creative Twists on Classic Goulash
🌶️ Spicy Goulash – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
🥦 Veggie-Packed Goulash – Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
🧀 Cheesy Baked Goulash – Transfer cooked goulash to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil until golden and bubbly.
🥒 Low-Carb Goulash – Swap elbow macaroni for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
🌿 Herbed Goulash – Finish with fresh basil or parsley for an herby touch.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is the epitome of comfort food! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that brings warmth to the dinner table.
✔ Hearty & satisfying
✔ Melty cheese goodness
✔ One-pot, easy cleanup
So why wait? Make this goulash tonight and indulge in every comforting bite! 🍲🧀
Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2.5 cups water
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 0.5 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Break it into small pieces, cooking halfway through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- If needed, add olive oil to the pan and heat over medium. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Return the meat to the pan and stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to create the base.
- Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s evenly mixed. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly before serving.