What cut of beef is best for goulash?

For Old Fashioned Goulash , ground beef is the go-to. It cooks fast and blends well with tomatoes and pasta. If you prefer stew-style goulash, use beef chuck or shank, which tenderizes over time and adds richness.

How do you thicken old fashioned goulash?

Let the dish simmer uncovered so excess liquid reduces naturally. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) near the end for a thicker consistency.

Can you make goulash ahead of time?

Yes! Old Fashioned Goulash is ideal for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water for best texture. It even tastes better the next day, like our crock pot beef stroganoff .

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe – 5-Step Hearty Classic Meal

Description

Old Fashioned Goulash is the ultimate comfort food—a one-pot, family-friendly dinner with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and nostalgic flavor that gets better with time.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, if needed)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Stir in elbow macaroni and cook for another 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if mixture thickens too much.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Optional: Stir in cheddar cheese just before serving for extra creaminess.
Serve hot and enjoy classic comfort in every spoonful.

Notes

For meal prep, cook pasta separately to prevent sogginess in leftovers. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American