Description
Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty American dish featuring tender macaroni mixed with savory ground beef in a rich, tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce. This easy skillet meal comes together quickly and is perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1/2 lb macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans whole stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Tomato juice, as needed
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onions: In an extra-large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Season and add tomatoes: Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture. Season with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to taste. Stir in the undrained stewed tomatoes and ketchup, mashing some of the tomatoes to combine evenly.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and tomato mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute pasta and sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning as needed. Add tomato juice a little at a time if a thinner, saucier consistency is preferred.
- Simmer and serve: Reduce heat to low and let the goulash simmer gently for a few minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the hot sauce and chili powder.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
