Introduction
There are some dishes that just transport you back to childhood, to simpler times and comforting meals shared around the family table. Old Fashioned Goulash is unequivocally one of those dishes. While the name might conjure images of a hearty Hungarian stew, the “Old Fashioned Goulash” we’re celebrating today is a distinctly American classic – a one-pot wonder that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, tomato-based sauce, often studded with sweet bell peppers. It’s the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make.
This American Goulash isn’t fancy, and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a testament to good, honest ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both quick to prepare and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to embrace a wave of nostalgia and discover your new favorite weeknight staple.
So, what exactly is this “Old Fashioned Goulash” and how does it differ from its European cousin? Well, American goulash is a much simpler, often one-pot dish, typically featuring ground meat, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying, designed to be a complete meal in itself. Hungarian goulash, on the other hand, is a more complex meat stew, heavily spiced with paprika and often served with noodles or potatoes on the side. Both are delicious in their own right, but today, we’re diving headfirst into the beloved, nostalgic world of American-style goulash – a dish that has graced countless family dinner tables across the country for generations.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)