Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef or turkey simmered with tomatoes, Italian and adobo seasonings, and elbow macaroni, finished with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it combines rich flavors and tender pasta in a one-pan skillet recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and halfway cooked. Once done, set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, if needed, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked meat to the pan, then add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the Goulash: Add the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Elbow Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the goulash.
- Add the Mozzarella: Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt slightly.
- Serve Suggestions: Pair your Old Fashioned Goulash with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade work well alongside.
- Top Tips: Substitute ground beef with turkey or change pasta shapes if desired. Avoid over-seasoning by tasting before adding extra salt or spices.
- Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Enjoy! Now that everything is ready, enjoy making and sharing this classic, comforting goulash.
Notes
- Use turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Any small pasta shape can be substituted for elbow macaroni.
- Taste before adding additional salt or seasonings to avoid over-seasoning.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated or frozen for later meals.
- Adding a splash of water when reheating helps maintain sauce consistency.
- Serving with salad or garlic bread balances the richness of the dish.
