Grandma’s Goulash is a classic, comforting dish made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, simmered to perfection. This hearty American-style goulash is full of nostalgic flavor and simple ingredients—just like Grandma used to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grandma’s goulash is warm, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a one-pot meal that combines pantry staples into something rich, savory, and satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or enjoying as leftovers, this dish offers a taste of tradition and home-cooked love in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Water or beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: bay leaf, paprika, shredded cheese, chopped parsley for garnish
directions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf if using.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook on low to medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Remove bay leaf, if used. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheese just before serving or sprinkle on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy goulash: Stir in cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy finish.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Veggie-packed: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
- Turkey or chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Low-carb: Substitute traditional pasta with low-carb or veggie pasta.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
You can also freeze goulash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash uses ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. Hungarian goulash is a stew made with chunks of beef and paprika, without pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes. Rotini, shells, or penne also work well—just adjust cook time as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and saving you an extra pot.
What kind of ground meat works best?
Ground beef is traditional, but turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meats are great alternatives.
Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle on top before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Keep the heat low and stir occasionally. Cook just until pasta is al dente.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s a mild, familiar dish that most kids love. You can even sneak in veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles well. Use a large pot and extend the simmer time slightly if needed.
What sides go well with goulash?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Goulash is a timeless, comforting dish that brings back warm memories with every bite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner for the week, this classic recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Grandma’s Goulash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grandma’s Goulash is a comforting, one-pot American classic featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a zesty tomato sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg