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Old-Fashioned Goulash

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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

  1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it into small pieces.
  3. Cook until browned and almost fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. If the pan lacks grease, drizzle in olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Lower heat to medium and sauté diced yellow onion and minced garlic for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir occasionally until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  1. Return the browned meat to the pan.
  2. Stir in:
    • Water
    • Beef broth
    • Tomato sauce
    • Diced tomatoes
  3. Stir well to blend flavors and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

  1. Add a symphony of seasonings:
    • Italian seasoning
    • Adobo seasoning
    • Bay leaves
    • Seasoned salt
    • Black pepper
  2. 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

  1. Lower heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. 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

  1. Add elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce.
  2. Stir well, ensuring every pasta piece is coated in the sauce.
  3. 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

  1. Once the pasta is tender, remove the bay leaves.
  2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Step 8: Top with Mozzarella Cheese

  1. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top just before removing from heat.
  2. 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

Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food made with tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and hearty elbow macaroni. This one-pot meal is seasoned with aromatic spices and topped with melted cheese, making it a filling, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bowls
Calories 400 kcal

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.

Notes

Top with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color. This dish is perfect for reheating and can be served with a side salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword comfort food, easy recipe, goulash, hearty meal, one-pot dinner
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