This easy old fashioned goulash recipe is pure comfort in a pan. I’ve been making cozy, family-friendly comfort food dinners for years, and this is one of those dependable recipes I come back to again and again because it always works.
Made with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, rich tomatoes and simple pantry spices, this hearty one-pot meal is easy to throw together and incredibly satisfying. I especially love that the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep or feeding hungry people without a lot of fuss.
Why This American Goulash Recipe Works
This is the kind of nostalgic comfort food recipe people come back to again and again for good reason. I’ve made this easy American goulash hundreds of times over the years and it has become one of my most dependable family dinners because it always turns out hearty, flavorful and satisfying.
Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup
- Ready in under an hour with very little hands-on effort
- Made with simple, budget-friendly pantry staples
- Tender macaroni soaks up the rich, savory tomato sauce perfectly
- Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd
- The leftovers taste even better the next day (so good)
I struggle to stop eating this recipe once it’s sitting in my fridge. I’ve been known to grab a bowl for lunch, dinner and even a quick bite the next morning because it reheats beautifully and somehow gets even cozier overnight!
If you have an Instant Pot, be sure to try my Instant Pot Goulash, too!
What People Are Saying About This Easy Goulash Recipe
“My family loved this meal and I will absolutely make it again.” — Kelly
“This rekindled childhood memories for me. I love the one-pot method.” — Lisa
“Hands down one of my favorite recipes. I make it at least once a month.” — Lily
Goulash Ingredients
Ground beef – I typically use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and richness. You can also replace part of the beef with ground pork for extra savory flavor. For a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken both work great.
Onion – Yellow onion is my favorite for this recipe because it adds the best deep, savory flavor as it cooks down. White onion works well, too.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives this dish the best flavor. Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes – Do not drain the tomatoes! The juices help create the rich, flavorful sauce. Fire roasted diced tomatoes or varieties with added herbs can add even more depth.
Tomato sauce – Tomato sauce creates the rich, cozy base for this old fashioned goulash recipe. If you have extra time, homemade tomato sauce adds incredible flavor.
Water – For an even richer and more savory goulash, replace part or all of the water with low sodium beef broth.
Worcestershire sauce – This is one of my favorite secret ingredients in this recipe. Just a small amount adds incredible depth and richness!
Seasoned salt and Italian seasoning – These simple seasonings give the goulash its classic cozy flavor. Don’t skip them!
Elbow macaroni noodles – Classic elbow macaroni gives this dish its nostalgic texture, but other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or penne work well, too.
How To Make This Easy American Goulash Recipe
- Brown the beef.
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the pan to keep the sauce rich but not overly greasy.
- Cook the onions and garlic.
Add the onion and garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds a ton of savory flavor and your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings and macaroni noodles. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Simmer until tender.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick, rich and cozy. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly. - Serve and enjoy.
Scoop into bowls and serve warm! This is the kind of hearty comfort food dinner that disappears fast around my house.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Goulash
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering so it cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Avoid overcooking the macaroni, since it will continue softening slightly as the goulash sits.
- For the richest flavor, use lean ground beef and do not skip the Worcestershire sauce.
- If the goulash thickens too much after sitting or reheating, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Let the goulash rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings perfectly to the pasta.
Recipe Notes
- For an extra cozy and cheesy version, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese or freshly grated Parmesan over each serving just before serving.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil or oregano add a bright pop of flavor and color. I also love finishing bowls with freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For even deeper flavor, add 2 bay leaves or a small splash of red wine while the goulash simmers.
- Stir a small can of tomato paste into the sauce for an even richer tomato flavor.
- Chopped bell peppers add extra texture and flavor. Green peppers are the most traditional option, but red, yellow or orange peppers work great, too.
More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes
- The Best Meatloaf Recipe – Tender, juicy and packed with classic homemade flavor
- Homemade Hamburger Helper – Creamy, hearty and made in one pan
- Easy 3 Ingredient Chili – A quick pantry dinner perfect for busy nights
- Spaghetti Sauce Made Out of Tomato Sauce – Rich, hearty sauce using simple pantry staples
- Creamy Mac and Cheese – Ultra creamy, rich and cheesy comfort food that always disappears fast at the dinner table
What To Serve With Goulash
One of the best things about this easy American goulash recipe is that it already includes pasta, beef and a rich tomato sauce all in one cozy pot. But if you want to round out the meal, here are a few delicious side dish ideas:
- A crisp chopped salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and hearty pasta.
- Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory tomato sauce.
- Simple vegetable sides like steamed broccoli, green beans or roasted cauliflower pair perfectly with this comforting meal. Sauteed zucchini, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts or asparagus are great options, too.
- Spoon leftover goulash over a fluffy baked potato for an extra hearty comfort food dinner the next day.
- Roasted or grilled tomatoes make a surprisingly delicious side and complement the rich tomato flavors in the goulash beautifully.
American Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash
American goulash and traditional Hungarian goulash are completely different dishes, even though they share a name.
Hungarian goulash is a slow cooked beef stew typically made with chunks of beef, paprika, vegetables and broth. American goulash is a cozy one-pot pasta dinner made with ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni noodles and simple seasonings.
This American-style version is the nostalgic comfort food many of us grew up eating in the Midwest and across the United States because it is hearty, budget friendly and easy to make.
The word “goulash” comes from the Hungarian word “gulyás,” which referred to Hungarian cattle herders.
Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe FAQ
American goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, macaroni noodles and a rich tomato sauce. Traditional Hungarian goulash is a slow cooked beef stew typically made with paprika, vegetables and chunks of beef. While the two dishes share a name, they are very different recipes.
While American goulash and spaghetti contain similar ingredients like pasta, ground beef and tomato sauce, they are prepared differently. Spaghetti is usually made by cooking the pasta separately from the sauce. American goulash is cooked in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich tomato sauce and savory flavors as it cooks.
Stored in an airtight container, leftover goulash will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In my opinion, the leftovers taste even better the next day because the pasta soaks up even more flavor overnight.
Yes! Goulash freezes surprisingly well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months for best texture and flavor. The pasta may soften slightly after thawing, so if you plan to freeze a large batch, consider cooking the pasta separately and stirring it in before serving.
Goulash usually becomes dry if too much liquid cooks off or if the pasta absorbs excess sauce while sitting. If needed, stir in a splash of beef broth, tomato sauce or water while reheating to loosen the mixture back up.
Classic elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for old fashioned American goulash because it holds the sauce perfectly. Other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne or small shells also work well.
Absolutely. This is one of my favorite make-ahead comfort food meals because the flavors continue to develop as it sits. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Yes! My Instant Pot Goulash recipe is a quick and easy version that cooks in about 30 minutes and turns out rich, hearty and flavorful every time.
Yes. Slow Cooker Goulash is another great option for busy days because it requires very little hands-on time and lets the flavors slowly develop throughout the day.
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Easy Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 30 oz diced tomatoes undrained
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and elbow macaroni to the pan.
- Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low heat, cover pan and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately!
Video
Notes
- For a richer, more savory flavor, replace part or all of the water with low sodium beef broth.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes add extra depth and flavor to the sauce.
- If the goulash thickens too much after sitting or refrigerating, stir in a splash of broth or water while reheating.
- Ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork can be substituted for the ground beef.
- This recipe reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Megan Porta is a comfort food recipe creator who specializes in easy family meals and Instant Pot desserts, and the founder of Pip and Ebby. She has been cooking for three decades and developing recipes for over fifteen years, helping home cooks make reliable, cozy recipes for real life.
My husband and I love this recipe. Not only is it easy, but it’s delicious too! I’ve made this many times. I’ve made it using half ingredients and all. 😊 Thank you for the WONDERFUL recipe!
It’s my pleasure, Patty! Thanks for leaving me this note.
Very good and easy to make. Definitely the closest to my Mom’s than I’ve ever found before. I will not add the Italian seasoning next time. We have never been a big fan of it but I followed the recipe this time. I did add about a cup of diluted ketchup, it adds a sweet flavor.
Sounds so good, Angie! Thanks for letting me know.
I used fired roasted diced tomatoes in the recipe and it was delicious!
Awesome, Kelley! Thanks for sharing.
Best ever! I love this recipe and it’s so easy to make!
I have to tell you, this is the best goulash we have ever had. I’ve been making it for years and couldn’t hardly eat it. I’m not big on red sauce in anything [pizza, pasta,etc.]. My guy had a fit over this, he ate 3 bowls of goulash, 3 nights in a row! I am able to eat this TOO! I made it exactly as written, just added a couple spoons of sugar to cut the acid. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT RECIPE.
Actually,3 time I have this goulash!Comfort food!!Thank you!
Love this recipe! How much is in one serving? I’m trying to incorporate this into my diet!
Hey Toni! I’m so glad you love this one. There are 8 servings total if you make a full batch. You can find those details as well as calorie details at the top of the recipe card.
This makes things so much easier not having to cook pasta separately. I think I need to increase the seasonings though but that’s just my taste personally. I also think there’s too much tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. I think you only need one can of each otherwise it’s really tomato like. It overpowers the dish a bit. Just could be my own taste but I think I’ll do that next time I make it. Thank you!
Thank you, Monica for sharing. I am a seasoning/flavor person too. But we have people who think ketchup is spicy and we have people who loves all the heat and in between. It will be an easy tweak!
Wow, absolutely delicious. My mom made goulash growing up and I always liked it but your recipe is so much tastier! Thank you!
I’m glad it was enjoyed! Goulash can be enjoyed so many ways.
This was so easy. I cut it in 1/2 for 2 people. I still have leftovers. It tastes great!
So glad to hear it was enjoyed, Robin. Thank you for sharing!
I remember my Momma cooking this for us a lot when I was a kid. I haven’t had this in a very long time. I’m cooking this right now and I’m remembering those family meals and watching my Momma cooking in the kitchen. I can see her now up in heaven cooking
Aw Connie. I’m glad you have those good memories to hold you tight. I hope you enjoy it. Hugs!
I make this often but use ground venison.
Great idea! Whatever you have on hand is best. Thank you for sharing!
I can’t count the number of times I’ve made this recipe. It is a major staple and family favorite, and I usually make it during weeks where we need a leftover night or two because I know it makes a ton of food. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Love to hear this, Kara! Thank you for sharing.
Delish! I have made this several times now. It’s on our dinner rotation. Easy. Tasty. What more could you want?! Thank you for the recipe.
So glad to hear it, Jennifer! I love that it’s easy too but that everyone enjoys it is the winner. Thanks for sharing!