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.
I’m making this tonight and i’m excited because I’ve NEVER had Goulash. Let me just say this to the negative people that don’t know how to keep to mouth shut…ARE YOU A PROFESSIONAL CHEF? Probably not so if you don’t agree with a recipe do us all a favor and ZIP IT!!!! Thank you Megan for sharing your recipe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Hey Crissy, you are so nice. Thanks for backing me up and I hope you enjoyed the recipe!
Megan
can you make it ahead of time and put it in a slow cooker?
Hi Julie! If you plan to put it into a slow cooker, undercook the noodles and keep a very close eye on it as it cooks. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a whirl!
Megan
This is the second time I have made this goulash. The first time, I made it exactly as written and it was great. The second time, I added green peppers (1 cup), fresh shredded cheddar cheese (one cup), smoked paprika (1 tsp.), and crushed red pepper (1/2 tsp.) and it put this dish over the top. I should also mention that I halved this recipe as there are only two of us. Thank you for taking the time and effort to submit this awesome dish!
Hi Joe! I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe! I absolutely love your additions, especially paprika/red pepper. Thanks so much for the comment!
Megan
Made this for dinner tonight… Then immediately text the link to my besties. Easy, delicious 1 pot meal! I love how you throw the I cooked noodles right in. I will for sure make this again (can’t wait for leftovers!) Smaller families can totally cut this recipe in half as it makes a TON.
*uncooked noodles
This was delicious! Just made for my daughter and I for dinner. I used turkey instead of beef. I added a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese also!
Hi Tara! I’m so glad this turned out so well for you guys! Thanks so much for the comment!
Megan
Delicious! Add some shredded parmesan on top when done and a fantastic weeknight meal!
Hi Amanda! YUM…Parmesan on top would be delicious!
Megan
Any guessing on what a serving size would be? 1cup? 2?
Hi Katie! Approximately 1 cup would be a serving size for this recipe. Enjoy!
Megan
Does this freeze well?!
Freezes well, doesn’t thaw well. Macaroni gets mushy.
Great recipe! I added celery and frozen corn to sneak the veggies in. Thanks for sharing.
I cut the recipe in half living on my own the whole would be to much. Having a garden I used fresh tomatoes substituted the elbow for medium shell pasta and added sliced baby Bella mushrooms. Yummm
My food journey is eat right your Type. So being type o blood, I eliminate wheat from my diet. My question was can I get that level of comfort food with gluten free pasta? The answer is yes. Made this last night using organic brown rice pasta and subbing whole foods brand organic sauce as the hubs doesn’t like tomatoes. I also added red pepper flakes and a tablespoon of raw sugar, and grass fed hormone free beef. It was amazing and will be at the top of my list. Good recipe.
Best comment of the day! I always love hearing when substitutions work better than anticipated. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Megan
Forgive me for not including well wishes for your son. God bless him. I too will include him in my prayers. Also, wasn’t that a beautiful comment by Ronnie about Him being the best and cheapest dr? Thanks Ronnie. Hope you don’t mind if I wear that advice out.
Aww, thank you so much for this. It means a lot! Comments like yours and Ronnie’s are cherished!
Megan
Thanks for simple tasty recipe. I’m 68 and just learning how to cook. It came out great 2nd try. Blew first one by not knowing what a clove of garlic was, but got it now. Had dinner and freeze dried the rest for rv trip. Thanks again. I owe you
So glad to hear it, Wild Bill! You’re an RVer, too, huh? Safe travels!
Megan
I really appreciate the recipes on the web . They make cooking so much easier because I have so many recipes at my disposal. I divested of many of my cookbooks, therefore, now I just hit Google and "voila" there are numerous ideas to choose from. I am making this dish as we speak. I will pray for your son to be in perfect health without the need for expensive procedures and medicine. I believe in going to the best Doctor! He never even charges me for His services! Love and peace to you and your family. Thanks again for posting your recipes.
This was delicious. I just made sure my diced tomatoes and tomatoe sauce was organic to cut back on sugar and processed junk. I also used whole wheat pasta for the same purpose. It was a bit healthier but still had that same comfort food taste. Served with a side of stemmed brocolli. My 3 year old gobbled it all up.
Hi Maggie! I’m so glad your alterations worked great! That’s always so great to hear. Thanks for the comment! And…always a HUGE win when toddlers gobble up dinner!
Megan
By the way, my nickname since childhood has been Ebby.
When I get goulash at a local diner this is the type of dish served. You called it "American goulash" and to me this dish fits the bill. I plan to make it this weekend. I will add a little sugar (always to tomato sauces) and shredded cheddar as a couple of the comments mentioned. Where I live it often has carrots in it. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Sis!
Making this tomorrow for Erin and Adrienne. ‘Hope you are home safely. God bless’ and love ya. H
Heather! I hope the Goulash turns out great for you and your precious girls. 🙂 Love you guys!
Meg
Have made this a few times now and it is so hearty and makes soooo much leftovers, my partner and I eat it for days afterwards.
Also super tasty when the liquid gets absorbed by the pasta, so delicious. We make it with chicken mince as it’s the preferred meat in the house.
Thanks for this recipe ❤️
Maddie, this comment made my day! Love that you make it with chicken mince. YUM!
Megan
This is simmering on my stove as I type, for some reason, I did not have tomato sauce in my pantry (embarrassing to admit since I’m Italian) – so, I used 1/2 a jar of Rinadlo pasta sauce….I’m thinking I should have reduced the Italian Seasoning due to this, but I guess we’ll see. I also added frozen corn just because it’s easier to get the 4 1/2 year old to eat veggies if they are all mixed in. If this is a hit with him, it will for sure be added to the regular rotation…Thank you for the quick, easy recipe (Oh I used ground turkey – only because turkey is preferred by the "boss" in the house)
I hope it turned out great, CH68! Great idea to add the corn. I may try this next time!
Megan