Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

A classic goulash recipe featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, suitable for stovetop or slow cooker preparation.

Equipment

• large pot
• slow cooker insert

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 ½ cups water
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or slow cooker insert.
2. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, water, and seasonings.
5. Mix well.
6. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Add elbow macaroni and cook until pasta is tender.
8. Stir in cheddar cheese if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For a slow cooker version, cook the meat and sauce on LOW 4–6 hours, then add macaroni near the end so it keeps its texture.