Old Fashioned Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic That Never Gets Old

 Old Fashioned Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic That Never Gets Old

There’s something magical about a dish that instantly transports you back to childhood—the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen, the bubbling tomato sauce, and the hearty mix of beef and pasta coming together in one glorious, soul-warming pot. That’s Old Fashioned Goulash, a humble, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious meal that’s been a Midwest staple for generations.

Also known in different parts of the country as American Chop Suey or Slumgullion, this version of Minnesota Goulash is a stovetop and oven-baked combination of seasoned beef, tender macaroni, stewed tomatoes, and simple pantry spices. Whether you're feeding a crowd or stretching a food budget, this dish is a nostalgic, flavor-packed winner every single time.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Hearty & Satisfying: One-pot comfort food at its best.

Budget-Friendly: Stretch a pound of ground beef to feed a family.

Pantry-Staple Ingredients: No fancy trips to the grocery store required.

Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!

Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for later.

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🧂 Ingredients & Their Purpose

1/2 lb elbow macaroni

The base of the dish, elbow macaroni holds the sauce beautifully and gives the goulash its classic texture. Cook until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.

1½ lbs ground beef

Provides hearty flavor and protein. Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.

1 large onion, diced

Adds a savory depth of flavor. As it cooks with the beef, it becomes soft and slightly sweet—essential to building the base.

Garlic salt, black pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce (to taste)

These seasonings bring the flavor to life. Garlic salt gives savory seasoning, black pepper adds sharpness, chili powder adds warmth, and a dash of hot sauce gives it a little kick.

2 (14.5 oz) cans stewed tomatoes, undrained

The soul of the sauce. Stewed tomatoes add a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato base. Keeping the juice helps bind everything together.

2 tablespoons ketchup

Surprising? Maybe. But ketchup adds subtle sweetness and a hint of vinegar that enhances the tomato flavor beautifully.

Tomato juice (optional)

If you prefer a saucier goulash, a splash or two of tomato juice can loosen the mixture and bring it to your desired consistency.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Goulash

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni to al dente (firm to the bite), according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

> Pro Tip: Do not overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and onions are translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Add garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Ketchup

In a large mixing bowl, mash the stewed tomatoes with a potato masher or fork to break them down into smaller chunks. Add the mashed tomatoes and ketchup to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained macaroni to the beef-tomato mixture and stir everything together. If needed, add tomato juice to achieve your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the goulash to a lightly greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbling.

> Optional: Remove foil in the last 5 minutes for a slightly crisp top.

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🍽️ How to Serve Old Fashioned Goulash

This dish is a meal on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:

Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.

Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Goulash Every Time

Double the batch: It freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Add vegetables: Toss in diced green peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition and texture.

Use Italian seasoning: For a herby spin, add 1 tsp of dried oregano or Italian seasoning.

Kid-friendly tip: Leave out the hot sauce and let individuals spice up their own servings.

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❤️ Why This Recipe is Loved by Generations

Old Fashioned Goulash isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory. It’s what you make when you want something easy, hearty, and nostalgic. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals, and it's just as delicious the next day. The simplicity of ingredients combined with the warmth of homemade comfort makes this dish a timeless classic.

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📝 Final Thoughts: Simple, Affordable, Irresistible

There’s a reason Old Fashioned Goulash has stood the test of time. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare, made from affordable pantry staples, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re cooking for a big family, meal prepping, or just craving some serious comfort food, this is the dish to turn to.

Try it once—and it’ll become part of your family’s tradition, too.

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🔁 Share this recipe with someone who needs a taste of home—or save it for that next cold night when you need something warm, filling, and familiar.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating if you try it!

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Tags: #OldFashi

onedGoulash #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerRecipe #BeefAndMacaroni #MidwestCooking #BudgetMeals #Casserole #OnePotMeal #FamilyFavorite #HomestyleCooking