Old Fashioned Goulash

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Old Fashioned Goulash to bring back warm memories of family dinners and comfort food done right. This simple, one-pot classic is loaded with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. It’s the kind of dish that feeds the soul and stretches a dollar, just like Grandma used to make. 💛

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 cup water or beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

2. Add garlic & seasonings:
   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute.

3. Add tomatoes & liquid:
   Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and water or broth. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add macaroni:
   Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

5. (Optional) Add cheese:
   If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and stir until melted.

6. Serve hot!
   Best with crusty bread or a green salad on the side.

Note:
This goulash gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend—hello, leftovers! Feel free to add in extras like bell peppers, corn, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also swap out the beef for ground turkey or use gluten-free pasta if needed. Make it your own!