Old-fashioned goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that’s simple to make. It typically features ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. Here’s a classic recipe for you:
Old-Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth (or water), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve: If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
Enjoy your old-fashioned goulash! It’s perfect for family dinners or as leftovers for the next day. You can also customize it by adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms if you like.