Old Fashioned Goulash

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Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Goulash, sometimes called “American Goulash” or “American Chop Suey,” is one of those dishes that carries the warmth of family dinners and the simplicity of home cooking. Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is a paprika-spiced stew, this version is a tomato-based pasta and beef dish. It is hearty, filling, and inexpensive, yet deeply comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that has been passed down from grandmother to mother to child, loved for its simplicity and its ability to feed a crowd.

History

The dish has two different stories that eventually blended into what we know today:

  • Hungarian Goulash: Originated centuries ago among Hungarian shepherds as a rustic stew made with beef, vegetables, and seasoned generously with paprika.
  • American Goulash: Brought by immigrants and adapted in the United States in the early 20th century, where ground beef, macaroni, and canned tomatoes were inexpensive and easy to cook. By the mid-20th century, this one-pot meal was found in schools, church suppers, and family kitchens all across America. It became a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and practicality.

Benefits

  • Nutritious Balance: Protein from beef, energy from pasta, and vitamins from tomatoes and vegetables.
  • Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients available in almost every pantry.
  • Time-Saving: A one-pot dish that minimizes cooking and cleanup.
  • Family Appeal: Its mild flavors and cheesy topping make it kid-friendly.
  • Versatility: Easily adjusted with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Goulash Base:

  • 500 g (1 lb) elbow macaroni
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or half beef and half pork for richer flavor)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green or red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water with bouillon)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika (Hungarian sweet paprika recommended)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Cheesy Finish:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (slightly firm), since it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Base

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

  1. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
  2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  3. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Remove the bay leaf, then stir the cooked macaroni into the beef sauce. Mix well until everything is coated.
  3. Transfer mixture to a large greased casserole dish.
  4. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Formation

The goulash comes together in layers of flavor: pasta that holds onto the rich tomato sauce, tender beef seasoned with herbs and paprika, and finally, a melted cheese topping that ties the whole dish together. The result is a creamy, savory, slightly tangy and cheesy casserole that feels like a warm hug.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal. It is a tradition that connects generations, a dish that proves the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable flavors. It is the kind of food that belongs in every family cookbook, ready to bring comfort on a cold night or to serve a table full of loved ones.

For the Lovers of this Dish

This recipe is for the nostalgic souls who remember eating goulash at their grandmother’s table.
It is for busy parents who want to feed their families something hearty and wholesome.
It is for pasta lovers who find joy in every forkful of cheesy, saucy goodness.
Above all, it is for comfort food lovers — those who know that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we love forever.

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