Description
Craving a hearty, easy recipe that feels like home? This Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate one-pot wonder—packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a family-friendly, quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or when you just want something cozy and nostalgic. If you’re looking for comforting food ideas that are budget-friendly, flavorful, and satisfying, this easy recipe is a must-try for your next dinner rotation.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 cups water or beef broth (to cook pasta)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add elbow macaroni and water or broth. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish is highly adaptable—try it with ground turkey or sausage.
Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
For meal prep, divide into portions and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: old fashioned goulash, easy dinner, one pot recipe, comfort food