Old-Fashioned Goulash

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There’s something about a bowl of warm, hearty goulash that feels like a comforting hug after a long day. This dish has been a staple in many kitchens for generations, offering a flavorful combination of tender meat, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and soft pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this old-fashioned goulash is sure to become a family favorite.

What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity—using pantry staples to create a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. The blend of Italian and adobo seasonings, paired with the rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese, creates a taste that’s deeply comforting. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it fresh off the stove, and don’t forget to save some leftovers, as goulash only gets better the next day!

Ingredients:

  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce

Directions:

Cook the Ground Meat:

  1. Heat a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Using the same pan, add olive oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic and diced onion over medium heat until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

  1. Return the cooked meat to the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and beef broth, ensuring everything is well blended.

Season the Goulash:

  1. Mix in Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

Simmer the Mixture:

  1. Cover and let the goulash simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add the Pasta:

  1. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then cover the pot again and continue simmering for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and fully infused with flavor.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the goulash.

Add the Mozzarella:

  1. Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, letting the residual heat melt it slightly.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve hot and enjoy this classic, comforting meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes:

This goulash provides a hearty dose of protein from the beef or turkey, along with essential nutrients from the tomatoes and onions. The pasta adds a comforting amount of carbohydrates, making this dish both filling and satisfying. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey and reducing the amount of cheese. For a gluten-free option, swap in gluten-free pasta. This dish is balanced and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any meal.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring:

Love this goulash recipe? Share it with your family and friends! Have a secret ingredient that makes your version even better? Let us know in the comments! Cooking is all about making a dish your own, and we’d love to hear your unique take on this classic meal.