Have you ever tried American Goulash before? It’s probably my most favorite meal to prepare!
I completely ADORE pasta in pretty much any shape or form as it is and this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your house!
It tastes INCREDIBLE, no pun intended. Its very easy to throw together and it is wonder with a side of cornbread or biscuits!
To make it even better? It’s super easy too! You don’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen to make this meal for your family. You can eat it as is or top it with cheese as I have done with my personal bowl! If you are a cheese-loving family like we are, you can serve the old fashioned goulash with shredded parmesan cheese.
Its perfect for dinner or if you need to feed a crowd! This is a ultra simple one-pot, stove top dinner made of seasoned meat, tomatoes and noodles and it always manages to hit the spot.
You will have many, many happy tummies after this one. This recipe has been on my food blog for recipes and it is my #1 most visited and raved about recipe. It has over 200 Million views on its recipe video on my Facebook page!
It has so much flavor and with being one of my daughter and husbands favorite meals its made often in our home!
It pairs perfectly with a salad (thats usually what we have with it)
What It Goulash?
Many people when they hear “Goulash” think of the version that originated in Hungary hundreds of years ago, it is one of their most popular dishes to this day. This Old Fashioned goulash is the american version so it is essentially a soup made with meat, tomatoes and noodles. That is the version we know and love here in America. Goulash is a very economical meal for anyone.
I have literally made this about 3 times this month as it is, the family can’t get enough of this delicious pot of YUM!
See! Dinner doesnt have to always be difficult!
Even though goulash is considered a type soup by some people, I like mine thicker so that it is more of a pasta . If you like yours more like a soup, just simply increase the beef broth by 1 cup.
Trust me, right after that pic right there,
that forkful went right into my mouth! LOL
You can use any type of pasta that you would like but the elbows just work well with this one!
Depending on where you are from, some people call it America Chop Suey!
This is such an old, old recipe, its super hearty and simple to throw together!
Its comfort food at its best!
No matter what you call it- its mouthwatering delicious. This Old fashioned goulash recipe makes a big enough batch to leave plenty of leftovers! It reheats wonderfully, making it great for lunches throughout the week. The leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it’s so yummy that you’ll likely finish it by before then.
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Old Fashioned Goulash!
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 T Italian seasoning
- 1 T Adobo Seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 T seasoned salt
- 1/2 T black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- In a large pan, saute your ground meat in skillet over medium-high heat until HALF cooked, remove from heat.
- Add garlic, onions, olive oil & until meat is fully cooked.
- Add water and broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoned salt, pepper and adobo seasoning. Mix well.
- Lower heat and cover – allow to cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stir well until everything is combined
- Cover once again and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves
- Add only the cheddar cheese and mix until combined
- Add mozzarella right before serving
- ENJOY!
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Comments & Reviews
Barbara Lee says
I grew up on this stuff – delish! You can make it your own by adding things you love (I add a can of corn or black beans) or leave out those things your family does not like. Thank you for the post.
Linda says
Me too.I make all kinds of goulash.
Linda says
I did too.I make all kinds of goulash based on this recipe.Yummy.
Mary says
My mom use to call it Johnny Marzettie . Love it
jennifer haught says
My dad makes this alot. He calls it Mix-Up……It is so good!
Nancy Moore says
I am adding black beans – great idea – and I am also cooking everything except macaroni and cheeses in my crockpot. I will add the other ingredients closer to the end and/or when serving.
Teresa brooks says
Yummers☺
Charlotte says
Awesomeness and love the name of the website
Lisa Langston says
This looks so delish! We will be eating this for supper this week!
Thank you!
Frankie Miller says
I used to make this years ago but forgot what i used now ,so glad i found this recipt,so i can make it again thanks for posting .
Anna Igl says
Looks delicious. However, the picture need to be resized when you send this out as an email. WAY!!!! too big!
Hugs, Sissee
Gloria says
Thank you
Debbie Duncan says
I was so glad to find this,as a child my mom would make this and put it oh top of mashed potatoes. Man was it good
Diane says
What is adobo seaoning? Never used it… Is it spicy?
Lisa M. says
It can be found in the spanish section of any supermarket 🙂 Its not spicy at all.
Lisa S. says
Which variety? Goya makes a few different ones.
Stephanie says
And you can use it on alpt of other stuff …. the best one is with the red cap .. you can season all meats chicke. And pork chops are so good fried just go easy cause its salty
Linda says
Mexican version on season salt, which you could use instead.
Cathy says
How many does this serve?
BEth says
I have a family of 4 and it made enough for all of us and leftovers! I substituted rotini noodles instead of the macaroni and it was fine!
Jillian says
Mine is even more simple as far as seasonings and has a different flavor. I use chili powder with seasoned browned ground beef and sautéed onions and add corn. Still cover with cheese at the end. Sometimes we add a little bit of sour cream as a topper. I have also made it with a Taco Seasoning for a different flavor to change things up.
chris kelly says
Thanks for the new recipe. Get your own blog/post. Idiot!
Bud Demmons says
Lol Right .
Brittany says
Really? Do you have to be rude, Chris?
Deb P says
This is not the same as American Chop Suey. I live in New England and make Chop Suey all the time. The main differences are that Chop Suey has peppers, celery and onion in it. It does not have any cheese. It also has stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and some ketchup for a touch of sweetness, and a bit of crushed red pepper for a hint of spice.
Dori says
I like to serve over egg noodles. Goolash is a Hungarian dish.
Vicki says
Just made this for dinner tonight. Replaced the beef broth for red wine, didn’t have the broth ?. Will make the macaroni separate when I put it together later on. Very good, thank you!
SANDRA says
My mother used to make a similar dish. She did add in some diced green pepper. I forgot about this recipe, was going to make sloppy joes and fries for supper, might just change the menu now.
Lisa says
My dad used to make this, but he never measured anything. He also added bacon, and I remember it being DELICIOUS!
Cindy says
Can’t wait to make this. Looks delicious.
Twilla says
I was wanting to find this recipe to make. Now I have it. And will make it .
VAUGHN KELLEY says
ate this as a child lovedit thank you so much
Stefanie Cochran says
So good! However, I used a huge pan and there still wasn’t enough room to add the pasta, so I had to transfer a bit to another pan.
Debbie Slater from Innisfail, Alberta, Canada says
I so love this recipe. I am 61 yrs old and so remember my Grandmother making a very similar recipe. Thank you.
Made it for a potluck and everyone wanted the recipe.
Linda Pliego says
Is the T teaspoon or tablespoon?
Lolly Bancker says
In recipes, a capital T means tablespoon, and tsp means teaspoon.
Linda Pliego says
Can anyone answer? I really want to make this. I am not familiar with just the letter T. I don’t want to mess it up. Lisa M. If you could help me mam!!!!!
Kitty says
Capital T is usually tablespoon, lowercase t is usually teaspoon.
Jane says
Is it tablespoon or teaspoon in this recipe?
Eenie B. says
Linda, the general rule with recipes is that a capital “T” indicates a tablespoon and a lower-case “t” is for teaspoon.
Tammy L Haynes says
Are these Tablespoons of spices? Making now. Seems excessive
Anne says
I could not find adobo seasoning in my very small town so I substituted paprika. It is absolutely delicious and I will be making this regularly.
Teri Martin says
Adobe ingredients: salt, granulated garlic, oregano, black pepper , turmeric Just in case anyone wants to know.
Teri Martin says
Sorry meant Adobo*
Denise says
Real goulash has paprika in it. I say skip the Adobe an add the paprika for sure.
Amanda says
Is paprika spicy?
Carol Strombeck says
You can make your own Adobo seasoning! Easy! This is a wonderful recipe. I used half ground beef and half turkey and 3c of beef broth. YUM!!!
shandel says
Upper case T is always tablespoon. Lowercase t is always teaspoon.
Annette MRW says
I usually make mine with ground beef, season with salt and onion and garlic powder and a little pepper. Fry onions with the burger. Also with green onions. Add stewed tomatoes for the sauce. Then boil the noodles. Add everything together. Make sure not too cook the noodles all the way done because when you bake it they will become more tender. I like too top it off with some extra sharp cheddar cheese after putting it on my plate. I use vegetable guide rather than tomato Juice, gives it a better flavor and not too much acid.
Cleda says
We ate this often, however, we called it Slumgullion. It was always a great meal especially with some warm french bread. Good eating!
Pamela says
Cleda, I remember my Grandmother would call it something like Slumgullion also… Our Family always used whole tomatoes as I think they have a much better flavor than the diced tomatoes and we always added a can of Kidney beans as well.. I think you’re the only person I’ve ever known to refer to Goulash with this name.. COOL! 🙂
Judy says
My brother is an excellent cook. He calls it Slumgullion Stew.
Lynn says
Hahaha, we grew up eating this too and that’s exactly what Daddy always called it!
RMAU says
An excellent ground beef goulash in rich tomato sauce is prepared almost entirely in the microwave. A quick and easy meal that is on the table in record time.
American Painting says
Simply wanna state that this is very helpful, Thanks for
taking your time to write this.
Donna S says
Can this be done in the crockpot?
Dixie Reeves says
I have made this recipe for over 50 years. I always make a batch on bread baking day to serve with hot fresh bread. I add a little oregano to mine, also. I am making a batch for Fathers day at my cowboy church. It will be cooked in a dutch oven over coals. Everything tastes better in a dutch oven.
Milly says
I use basically the same recipe, but instead of water I use tomato juice.
Rebecca says
Ake the Mexican version of Goulash. It is Fideo con carne y papitas. Translation: Fideo with ground beef and diced potatoes! So yummy with fresh homemade flour tortillas!
Theresa Born says
Has this recipe been updated? I seem to remember it having different spices when I made it last time.
Incredible Recipes says
This is the MOST POPULAR recipe on my entire website! It has NOT been updated 🙂 There is also a live video of it as well on my FB pages and here on my blog!
Rosemary Lopez Sapoznik says
You can also add Zucchini cut in chunks to the mixture. It is delicious.
Pat Davidson says
I put a can of mushroom soup in.Some people put tomato soup in.
JoAnn Ackley says
OMG!!! I made this last night for dinner and my house smelled great and this tasted delicious. My husband and son said that it was really good and has great flavor. I use my Rockcrok dutch oven from pampered chef. I will definitely be making this again in the near future. I only did half the recipe since there is only three of us I’m cooking for and there is still plenty left. https://pamperedchef.com/go/jackley
Jayne A ler says
add a big can of tomato juice and you have Wisconsin chili. top it with the cheese and a blob of sour cream.
Marian says
Do you not drain the ground beef at any point? Don’t see it in the directions and was just curious.
Lisa M. says
You can! I did not 🙂
Teri says
It sounds fantastic, but it is not goulash!
Lisa M. says
It is, its AMERICAN Goulash, not Hungarian 😉
Jennifer Helton says
I made this for dinner this week. Delicious! This will be a family favorite! 5 stars!
Nicole says
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to make it and Thanks for sharing.
Vicky says
This looks really good, but I’d prefer to boil pasta first then add to beef mixture and bake awhile. Less carbs and starch. I think omitting the water would work but add a little if it seems to dry. What do you think? This could be changed up into a chili mac by subbing spices.
power washing connecticut says
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website genuinely stands out :D.
Sarah says
How many servings does this make?
Dee says
I grow up eating goulash with cornbread and it’s was every good
Lacey says
Did you make your own adobo seasoning? If so, can I have the recipe? If it’s store bought, which one? Thank you
Lisa M. says
red top 🙂
Crystal says
Can I make this in my slow cooker while at work? If so how long?
Jan Ward says
My family has been making this for over a hundred years (I am 74 and my Grandmother made this). Ours is much simpler and has had many requests for the recipe. Just hamburger, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, onions, garlic (opt) and elbow macaroni. It is not soupy. Great with dinner rolls, and a salad.
Janet Brooks says
Use tomato sauce or stewed tomatos in place of water. The water makes it much to bland.
Pixybrat says
I use beef broth (better than bouillon) instead of water. I think the beef base along with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce adds great flavor. It’s the same base I use for my beef vegetable soup but I also add V-8 to that. (Secret ingredient😉).
Karen Stanhope says
When I was in high school, a family in our small church was very hospitable, but they were poor folks. They would often have young people over for Sunday dinner. It always consisted of a similar meal, but instead of hamburger, it had canned mackerel. Always plenty, and it was tasty. She always made biscuits served with homemade jams.
Dawn Libby says
This Goulash recipe is outstanding, what makes it this way is the Adobo seasoning.
Juanita Carrion says
Can’t wait to try it thank you so much for the recipe always wanted to make this
Trista says
It’s on my menu! How much does 1 batch feed? I have a larger family, and I want to make enough. Thank you
Lindsey says
Does the ground beef need to be drained?
Jude Martin says
This is also delicious using 1# sweet Italian sausage and 1# spicy Italian sausage as the meat!
Brittany says
Do you drain the ground beef? Is it s supposed to be kind of greasy? I didn’t drain it then was worried I had too much grease when I added the olive oil. Thank you!
Nancy Crist says
Made this exactly as the recipe reads. Deeelicious!!
Lisa Ronning says
How many does this recipe serve?
Adina Schellenberg says
why would you add the olive oil for flavor? the dish looks really delicious, but a little greasy. Could I omit it? and not loose the great taste?
Jamasa says
How many servings does this recipe yield? Thank you!
Donna says
In most recipes, a capital ‘T’ stands for tablespoon, but tablespoons of some of these spices seems excessive. Could the person who wrote this recipe please respond as to whether the ‘T’ stands for teaspoon or tablespoon??
Coso says
Old fashioned? No, sorry. You don’t use ground meat nor macaroni for goulash. In fact there’s nothing in this recipe similar to goulash.
Cheri says
I do chili powder not the adobo and I also chop up a green pepper and cook with hamburger and onion. All kinds of ways to make all good!
carolyn says
I will be making this recipe, I forgot some of the ingredients. Thank you for all you share.
Alyssa says
This recipe was very good and easy however, WAY too much salt!! Limit the salt!!! It almost ruined the dish!
Dee Dee says
I made this!! It was delicious!!
Tracey Patterson says
Just got this going in my instant pot…..gonna be yummy
Caitlyn says
Can this be made in a crock pot?(if so, what adjustments need to be made?) Also what sized skillet was used? I definitely don’t think mine would be large enough
Ginny says
Oh yeah baby!!!!
Ann says
It’s American goulash but it’s much different in Hungary. They use egg noodles and paprika and beef strips etc. No cheese, which I prefer.
Ann says
Hungarian goulash is better. They use paprika, egg noodles and beef strips, no icky cheese and a beef base not tomato.
Mary Williams says
I have made this twice. Once full recipe and once I did 1/2. This is the best Goulash ever. I put in my own homemade tomato sauce and I had canned tomatoes with green chilies and used a pint jar of that. I didn’t know what Adobo was or where to find it so did a Google search and got a recipe and made my own. I was wondering about adding some cream cheese instead of the cheddar. The cheddar melts but not well and it even gummed up in the bottoms my the bowls. I love this recipe though and if you don’t think I should substitute with cream cheese, I will just have to scrape off the gummy cheese. LOL!
Arabella says
I’m trying this right now except I’m using Taco seasoning instead of the Italian, etc. It’s coming along wonderfully and my family is excited to try it!!! Hoping to add it to some soft tortilla’s tomorrow for lunch and make a kinda of goulash burrito! Thanks so much for the recipe!! I’m sure this will get used a LOT in my home!! <3
Donna says
Although this is not traditional goulash which is more like a soup with cubed beef, potatoes and paprika cooked for hours, and no cheese, this is tasty. I just made it tonight pretty much as written. I did not have adobe seasoning but did have a can of chipotles in adobe sauce so I just used some of the rich sauce. It came out nice and spicy but both my husband and I liked it a lot. It’s a very hearty dish!
Donna says
That’s adobo not adobe
Annette Holloman says
Made me hungry!
CAROL-ANN REDMON says
I GREW UP EATING GOULASH!! MY MOTHER USED TO BAKE IT FOR DINNER, ALONG WITH A LARGE SIDE SALAD, AND OF COURSE, A BIG GLASS OF SWEET TEA!! WHAT MORE COULD ANYONE WISH FOR!! ALWAYS LEFTOVERS, TOO. COMFORTING AND SO GOOD FOR YOU!!
Sharon says
This was really wonderful and so easy to prepare. Great leftovers, reheat easily. I will make this again very soon.
Incredible Recipes says
tysm! So happy you loved it!
Tgood says
Could not find abode spice, so substituted with some paprika and oregano…turned out delicious! Great tasting, easy recipe.
Gregg says
This is the best! It’s become a new comfort dish in our home. I’ve shared with so many people too. The only bad thing is…I can’t stop eating it!!!
Rakel says
Wow, this was amazing for such a simple recepi, I had to half it as it was just for the two of us, we have enough for tomorrow too if we do garlic bread with it and if I will resist sneaking down in the middle of the night to finish the rest 😀 100% keeping this and thank you so much for sharing, hope you have a good weekend x
Christy says
I love this recipe! Have adjusted couple things for my own taste but this is pure comfort food for sure! Found a recipe for adobo seasoning online and keep that on hand just for this recipe!!
Summer Rhoad says
I just started making this recipe a week or so ago. It is amazing!! Only thing I did different is doubled the beef broth, cut the water by a cup, and almost doubled the seasonings. Everything else is PERFECT ???? Only reason I didn’t add as much water is because my pot wasn’t big enough ????
Steve Peters says
Love this recipe!
Sydney Young says
I just made this, and followed the recipe to the letter! This will DEFINITELY become a family favorite!
Vanessa says
We absolutely love this recipe!! We are a family of 4 and make this weekly. Soooo much flavor and absolutely delicious
Jill says
yummy.. perfect for Halloween!
Darlene In Nova Scotia says
Can’t count the times I have made this perfect recipe. It is absolutely exceptionally delicious. It is our favorate goulash. One time I only had a no name canned tomato sauce, not good, changed the flavour completely. Went back to using Hunt’s brand, it makes all the difference in this dish. Also, have on hand a bottle of homemade Adobo Seasoning just for this goulash (recipe on Pinterest.ca).
Thanks again for sharing.
Zandy says
This is our go to Goulash always Yummy!
Tina Winslow says
This is wonderful! Very flavorful. Added it to my rotation of recipes!
Cindy Ralston says
My family Loves This!
Jeannie says
Amazing!
dianna hernandez says
Your’s looks so good. My mom & grandma taught me the poor man’s goulash they used the 80/20 because it was the only kind available I use the lean hamburger. We used macaroni but instead of all the other ingredients we used a can of tomato soup with using the can 3/4 milk. Italian seasoning, American cheese I use that & cheddar, salt & pepper. I sometimes use onion other times onion & garlic powder. I use garlic on everything way before they found it to be beneficial. So I thought I’d share my family made a lot of cheap meals like tuna casserole or tuna bake
Heather says
So good should have doubled the recipe because we ate it all too quick and would have loved to have more leftovers !!
Anita says
I just made this for my granddaughter and myself we live in the southwest. So I threw a little chilly powder and red pepper flakes to give it a little kick.
Lynn says
This was delicious! Kids loved it! I used fire roasted diced tomatos w/ green chili’s. Just added that little extra kick my family loves!