Here’s a hearty, old-fashioned American-style goulash — the kind many families grew up with. Simple, filling, and full of comfort.
🍲 Old Classic Fashioned Goulash (American Style)
🛒 Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1½ cups beef broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but traditional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Add aromatics
Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3️⃣ Add liquids & seasoning
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Add macaroni
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5️⃣ Finish
If using cheese, stir it in until melted and creamy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve with buttered bread or dinner rolls
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Add a simple green salad on the side
💡 Tips for True “Old School” Flavor
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Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
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For a slightly sweeter, vintage taste, add 1 teaspoon sugar.
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Want it thicker? Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes before serving.
If you’d like, I can also share the traditional Hungarian-style goulash version (very different — more paprika stew than pasta!).