Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash

Healthy Fact of the Day

Ground beef provides complete protein and iron for energy and muscle health. Cooking everything in one pot helps retain nutrients while making cleanup easier for busy weeknights.

This Old Fashioned Goulash brings back memories of home-cooked comfort with its hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce all melded together in one satisfying pot. The addition of melted cheddar cheese creates that irresistible creamy texture that makes this dish a true family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that fills both bellies and hearts, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and familiar.

If you love these classic comfort flavors, you’ll definitely enjoy our Tamale Casserole with its similar hearty, cheesy appeal in a convenient baked format. For another one-pot wonder with that same satisfying comfort food vibe, our Hamburger Steak in Creamy Dill Sauce delivers tender ground beef in a rich, creamy sauce.

Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash

Recipe by Daily Disher

Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce for the ultimate family dinner.

Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
2.4 from 15 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 2 pounds ground beef

    • 1 large onion, chopped

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • 29 ounces tomato sauce

    • 28 ounces diced tomatoes

    • 3 cups water

    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

    • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

    • 3 bay leaves

    • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt

    • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

    Directions

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add ground beef, breaking it apart while it cooks until browned.
    • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
    • Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and soy sauce, then add Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoned salt.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, cover the pot partially, and simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes, until pasta is cooked.
    • Remove bay leaves from the pot, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout the goulash.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Total number of serves: 4
    • Calories: 250kcal
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 620mg
    • Potassium: 400mg
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 2mg

    Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.

    For more hearty comfort classics, our Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole and Chile Colorado bring that same stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction. When you want easy one-pot meals, the Pineapple Chicken and Rice and Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole deliver complete dinners with minimal cleanup. Need more family-friendly favorites? Our Tater Tot Casserole and Loaded Baked Potato Casserole transform simple ingredients into crowd-pleasing meals everyone will love.

    Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

    2.4 from 15 votes

    Recent Recipes

    Little Caesars’ Fan-Favorite Personal Pizza Deal Is

    • September 8, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Cantonese BBQ Brisket Is Back at Panda

    • September 6, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Wendy’s Halloween Kids’ Meal Is Back —

    • September 5, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Popeyes’ $6 Big Box Deal Is Back

    • September 4, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Aldi’s September 2026 Finds Are Stacked With

    • September 3, 2026
    • 3 min read

    Taco Bell Is Offering a $2 Combo

    • September 2, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Never-Ending Pasta Bowl Is Back at Olive

    • September 1, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Spicy Chicken McNuggets Are Officially Back at

    • August 31, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

    • August 27, 2026
    • 6 min read

    Why You’re Supposed to Let Meat Rest

    • August 27, 2026
    • 4 min read

    Tip of the Day

    “Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

    Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

    Our Latest Recipes

    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Little Caesars’ Fan-Favorite Personal Pizza Deal Is Back

    A pizza-and-bread combo can pack in a fair amount of refined carbs and sodium in one sitting, especially with dipping sauce added on top. To round things out, consider pairing the combo with a side salad or a piece of fruit to add some fiber, and going easy on the dipping sauce rather than using the full portion with every bite.

    Read More »
    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Cantonese BBQ Brisket Is Back at Panda Express After Selling Out Earlier This Summer

    Pairing a high-protein entrée with the right sides can help round out a more balanced meal. Consider choosing a vegetable-based side like mixed veggies instead of fried rice or chow mein to add fiber without extra refined carbs, and opting for a bowl over a plate if you’re looking to manage overall portion size while still getting the full protein benefit of the entrée.

    Read More »
    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Wendy’s Halloween Kids’ Meal Is Back — And Adults Are Ordering It Too

    Kids’ meals are portioned smaller than adult entrées, which can actually make them a reasonable option for a lighter meal or a snack-sized treat. To keep things balanced, consider pairing the meal with a side of apple bites instead of fries, choosing a lower-sugar beverage like milk or water over a fountain drink, and treating the Frosty as a dessert to enjoy on its own rather than adding it on top of a larger meal.

    Read More »

    Get your daily dose of delicious!

    Skip to content