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.
Do you think if I made this beforehand (we are going on a family lake vacation) and kept in the refrigerator and then popped in the oven in two days it would be ok? Would the noodles get soggy or anything?
This recipes makes great leftovers and freezes well! You should prepare the noodles to the softness you prefer them and then let the meal cool completely before placing them in your container.
My family loved this meal. I did cook the noodles separate and added at the end after simmering everything else. I used roasted tomato and garlic diced tomatoes. Will absolutely make again. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad you loved it and shared with us your tweaks!
Lisa
This rekinds me of my childhood. I usually use my garden stewed tomatoes which have onion, bell pepper and celery. If not, I make sure to add celery when the onion is added. Also, beef better than bouillon works nicely inplace of the broth. Bay leaf is another good flavor inhancer. I like the one pot method. Just make sure to simmer all the other ingredients before adding the pasta. Cook according to pasta instructions.
Thank you!
Hi. Was so looking forward to this but I made a big mistake. I read the “notes about American goulash” which is right under “how to make American goulash”. The notes recommended using beef broth in place of water with no comment about reducing the seasoning salt. It wasn’t until I finished making this dish that I read some of the comments which addressed this issue. Too late. It is so salty, I have to throw the whole thing away. What a waste. ☹️?
oh no!! I’m so sorry!
I’m making this tonight for a group hangout.
Comfort food and party food! I love this recipe!
I am doing this right now! Smells fantastic! I had one can of tomatoes. So I used a half a can of salsa and filled the rest up with spaghetti sauce. The sauce tasted so yummy! I also added beef bullion cubes while it simmers. I hope it tastes as great as it smells! Thanks you
Salsa is a great idea! Thanks for commenting!
I added bell peppers and cooked the pasta seperate, way better.
Bell peppers would be excellent in this too. Thank you for sharing!
If I am cooking noodles seperate do I still add water to the goulash
I would prepare the sauce without the water, add your noodles and then determine how much water to add in. You’ll want some of it, maybe a cup, but you can determine the best consistency as you go. Thanks for the question!
How many calories?
Hi Joanne,
Here’s a site that I use myself for nutrition. I am not providing that information on my blog but this will help you input exactly the ingredients you use which helps get a more accurate nutrition input.
https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
Liked this recipe but made the noodles separate! Seems like they’d get soggy from being simmered for 25 min!?
Glad I cut the recipe in half!! Haha I was only planning on feeding two 1/2 people tonight! (Good thing I love leftovers)
Leftovers can freeze too if you need it. Glad you liked it!
I didn’t have tomato sauce so substituted pizza sauce and omitted the Italian seasoning. If I used pizza sauce again I would also omit the seasoning salt and worsceshire sauce. Pizza sauce has enough seasonings already.
That’s true! I guess finding out the hard way wasn’t what you’d planned but I hope you’ll try it again!
I’m making this for Sunday lunch.
Half the recipe. Using ground venison. I am finding that i need to add more water as it’s cooking. The pasta sticks to the bottom of the pan if I don’t.
Smells wonderful!
Sounds like a great tweak to the recipe! Everyone’s cooking does vary a little based on a lot (type of pan, altitude, pasta type, etc etc) so I"m glad you figured out how to tweak it. I hope it was enjoyed!
Has anyone ever substituted the water for beef broth?
That would work just fine! It might add salt to the goulash so be sure to adjust the seasoned salt accordingly. Just taste test as you go!
Thank you. I am making this tonight for dinner.
You can do that, just be careful about your salt addition because the broth will have salt in it.
Hands down one of my favorite recipes. I make it at least once a month but I cut everything in half because it does make a huge pot of food. I also substitute ground sausage for the beef. But again….amazing recipe.
I agree, it makes a lot so cutting it in half works for most people. I like leftovers so I don’t mind though. Ground sausage would make this even tastier! Thanks for sharing!
Love this recipe! I like spicy everything so I added some jalapeño, red pepper and green pepper purée to the onion and garlic. So spicy and sooo good!
I love those tweaks to the recipe! I’d enjoy that too, but my kiddos wouldn’t. It’s good to share those though, others would probably enjoy the addition recommendations!
I just made this and my noodles are like soggy. Very disappointed and doesn’t taste good. Was so looking forward to having goulash!
I’m sorry to hear that, so frustrating when you’re looking forward to a hearty meal. What didn’t taste good – did you need more spices? Salt? It’s a simple dish with a basic recipe but you can always add to it to your liking.
I just made this tonight for me and my 2 teenage daughters. It was DELICIOUS!!! Only problem, it made A LOT. Does it freeze well?
Love that! I’m glad to hear you guys enjoyed it! Yes, this does freeze well. I would recommend reheating it on the stove though or covered in the oven on low heat to let the moisture steam it back up without being too soggy. This recipe really does make a big batch.
Have you evet added green pepper in with rhe onions? My mom always addex green pepper to hers. Does it come out thick or looser like spaghetti sauce?
I have added green peppers before and it’s delicious! The sauce in this recipe is more loose, not thick like chili. But you could always increase the tomato paste if you chose. Thanks for asking!
Hi. I don’t have seasoning salt. Can I do something different??
Sure! You could definitely mix up something you have on hand. If you are just making enough for one time, you will probably only use an 1/8 tsp or less of Paprika, salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, onion powder, turmeric if you have it.
This is a good idea for a future post!
Is there anything I could substitute the tomato sauce for possibly?
Tomato gives it sauce and flavor. I guess it depends on why you need to substitute it because it wouldn’t be as tasty with just broth.