Old Fashioned Goulash is a traditional Eastern European dish that has been adapted in American cuisine to become a comforting and hearty meal. It combines simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, creating a savory, cheese-laden dish that appeals to all ages. This recipe brings a touch of nostalgia and homely comfort, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling water, following the package instructions but stopping 3 minutes earlier than the recommended cooking time. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and onion, cooking until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 5: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Combine these ingredients well.
Step 6: Mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
Step 7: Fold the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese has melted. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish before baking.
COOKING Note
Goulash is best served hot, straight from the oven. The flavors meld as it cooks, creating a rich and comforting dish. If the goulash seems too thick after baking, you can stir in a little water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Tips
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the skillet with the onions for additional vegetables.
- Substitute mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different cheese flavor.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 45 minutes (30 minutes for cooking, 15 minutes for baking)
Total Time
- 1 hour
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients used, but here is an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Old Fashioned Goulash is a versatile, hearty dish that combines the richness of ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese with the firm bite of elbow macaroni. It's a comforting, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any day of the week, delivering warmth and satisfaction with each bite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your twist, goulash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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