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.
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This recipe is on the pipandebby food app.
Can I use penne rigate noodles? I have them on hand and not macaroni noodles.
Yes! I love changing up the noodles that I use in my recipes.
If I don’t want the tomatoes added do I need a substitute or will into be okay without the tomatoes?
Hi, Are you referring to the diced canned tomatoes? They do add juiciness and flavor so if you don’t use them, you’d need more sauce. It’s just a nice texture and way to keep all the liquid you need in the meal without solely relying on tomato sauce. It’s your meal though! Try it out and let me know how it goes.
Can this be done in the oven?
I have never made it in the oven but I’m confident it could be!
Nvm! Thank you ! Can’t wait to try!
Do you cook noodles first?
No m’am. Throw them in – I’ve added water to help cook them! Enjoy one less step in the cooking. Thanks for asking!
So don’t cook the noodles? Just put them in with all the ingredients to cook up?
That’s correct! Water is added to properly cook them. Nice to have one less step!
I made this yesterday for my husband who grew up with goulash. It was always a comfort food for him.
After tasting this version he said, while still eating out of the pot, "you better save this recipe, its the best I’ve ever had,
I love it too
So wonderful to hear! That makes my day. Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Very, very good will be making this a lot…..thanks!
Makes me glad to hear. Thank you for coming to share!
I have made this probably a dozen times over the last year or so, and it is always delicious! It’s definitely one of my favorites!
I never tire of hearing that – thanks for checking in and sharing!
Great easy recipe. Homemade, So much better than a boxed dinner (hamburger helper) . Perfect fall & winter comfy food. Add a green salad & parmesan toast dinner is ready!
Agreed! It’s the perfect time of year to break out these comfort food recipes. Always yes to a green salad too!
The Italian season really is a must in this! Definitely a game changer… I add corn, carrotsand kidney beans because the flavor is so good I can hide veggies my son never eats .. the more veggies the better right?! He loves it! Thanks for sharing
I’m glad you found a meal to get your kiddos some veggies in! Thanks for all the changeups to share – people enjoy seeing the many ways you can enjoy this recipe.
Made this tonight. Halved the recipe and it still makes tons. Added corn and 1.5 Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder. Delicious, thank you!
Yes, this makes a decent batch! That pasta seems to multiply. 🙂
I’ve never heard of adding cocoa powder but I’m intrigued! Thanks for sharing!
We’re a paella catering, however we like the dishes of united kingdom! Without hesitation this one Certainly one of those favourites is! Really like and would really like to learn to generate a inch that is suitable! I am going to decide to check out this recipe!
https://salmonrecipes.org/
Thank you for checking us out! Paella is delicious – this is much simpler recipe to make and enjoy. 🙂
I made it with gluten free elbows. I cooked them separately, omitted 2.5 cups of water, and added them at the end of the 25 min simmer time. Adding the gluten free elbows would add too much starch to the dish, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to follow that part of the instructions, but thankfully it turned out great. Hope this helps anyone else needing this substitution. Great recipe!
Good idea! Thank you for sharing!
This recipe is awesome, I add a bit of chili powder to mine and use V-8 instead of water extra tomatoey if that’s a word.
Here is what I believe is a GREAT tip. I do my elbows separate and keep them separate until I am ready to eat.
That way the Macaroni doesn’t get mushy by soaking in the sauce/juice. 5 Stars
These are great tips to pass on so that others can try it if they want to. Thank you!
I am cooking it now – smells delish! I did add green bell pepper as that is how I remember it and will be topping it off with shredded cheddar 🙂
Sounds like it’ll be amazing! Thanks for trying it out!
As I was growing up, my Mom fixed what she called Slumgullion. It was Goulash, but I never heard that name until years later (aside from Hungarian Goulash). She made all of her dishes from memory, nothing written down, so I had nothing to go by when I wanted to make it myself. I did the store bought similar box meals, instead, but it just wasn’t the same. Finally, I decided to see if I could find a good recipe online and found this one.
My second batch of it is finishing up now, and I can’t wait to dive into it. It’s so delicious. I am like my Mom in that I prepare the recipe as written the first time, then make adjustments to suit my tastes. For tonight’s batch, I added Green and Red Bell Peppers, as well as Mushrooms. I can smell it now, so I’m going to go enjoy.
I am so glad that it helped fulfill a craving and reminded you of your mom’s! I agree, you can do wonderful things with this recipe and your additions sound wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
I have a "secret" ingredient, which takes it to ANOTHER LEVEL..its knorr brand tomate and chicken bouillon…its in a powder..add at least a heaping tsp. Or tbsp. ..your preference…just Add to the mixture after you put water and seasons in
Thanks for sharing that tip with us!
Thanks for sharing that tip with us!
This goulash is good eats!! I grew up eating this stuff. I still make it now. Was a good supper when I worked and had three kids to feed. It cooked up fast and was able to get dinner on the table in a reasonable amount of time. I had no problem with the tomatoes. They cook up eventually and I added velveeta cheese to melt in and it made it even more yummy.
You are so right. Raising kids, you need quantity in a hurry and to get healthy foods in them too and then it’s fun to find different ingredients to change it up. Thanks for sharing!