Old Fashioned Goulash

This Old Fashioned Goulash recipe from My Incredible Recipes is one of those meals that everyone always loves! It’s beefy, cheesy, and filled with pasta goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food that a hungry family will gobble right up!

Have you ever tried American Goulash before? OMG, it’s probably my favorite meal to prepare! I completely ADORE pasta in pretty much any shape or form as it is 😉 I grew up in the Midwest where old-fashioned goulash was a staple. My mom made it all the time, and it was something she grew up with as well. It is one of those recipes that just keeps getting made generation after generation, kind of like the homemade brownies recipe that I have had memorized since I was 8 years old.

My grandma’s old-fashioned goulash recipe (we also interchangeably called it Johnny Marzetti, but it’s also known as American goulash or American Chop Suey) was one of the signature dishes of my childhood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This goulash is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and hearty, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s simple to make, uses common pantry ingredients, and brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from block)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pan, saute your ground meat over medium-high heat until half cooked, then remove from heat.
2. Add garlic, onions, and olive oil, and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked.
3. Pour in the water, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, pepper, and Adobo seasoning. Mix well.
4. Lower heat, cover, and allow to cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring well until everything is combined.
6. Cover again and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves.
8. Add the Cheddar cheese and mix until combined.
9. Add the Mozzarella cheese right before serving.
10. ENJOY!

Tips for Success

Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s just tender; overcooking can make it mushy. Also, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Additional Tips or Variations

You can easily substitute the ground beef with turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version. For extra veggies, toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this goulash ahead of time? Yes, goulash can be prepared a day in advance and reheated. It might even taste better as the flavors meld together!

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and it should keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for any family meal. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. We’d love to hear your feedback and any personal twists you might have added!