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Easy Old Fashioned Hamburger Goulash Recipe (One Pot, Cheesy & Ready In 30 Minutes)

Last night I made the same goulash my mom used to throw together on those nights when the kitchen smelled like home before you even walked through the door. You know the one — elbow macaroni, browned ground beef, and tomatoes simmering down into something thick, savory, and unbelievably comforting. Nothing fancy. Just the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel like everything is going to be okay.

I wasn't even planning on it honestly, but I had ground beef thawed and a box of elbows in the pantry and suddenly I was twelve years old again, watching her stir this in our old cast iron skillet while we set the table. This easy old fashioned hamburger goulash recipe brought every bit of those memories right back with the first whiff of it cooking.

The whole house smelled incredible while it simmered. That deep, tomatoey, beefy smell that makes you hungry even if you just ate. My husband wandered into the kitchen twice asking when it'd be ready, and by the time I served it up he'd already grabbed his bowl and a fork before I could even sit down. It disappeared. Every last bite. He went back for seconds without saying a word, just scraped his bowl clean and held it out like a kid. That's when you know you nailed it.

This one pot ground beef goulash recipe is the definition of comfort food. All of the pasta cooks right in the same skillet, soaking up every ounce of that rich, savory tomato broth to create the creamiest, most crave worthy bite. Add in some shredded cheddar and it goes from nostalgic to downright irresistible. Whether you're looking for the best American goulash recipe for a busy weeknight, a cheap meal to feed a crowd, or a blast from the past, this one pot wonder will never let you down!

Why You'll Love This One Pot Hamburger Goulash Recipe

One Pot Wonder. Everything, including the uncooked pasta, cooks in a single skillet. Less dishes and maximum flavor!

Ready In 30 Minutes. From browning the beef to scooping it into bowls, this meal is on the table in just 30 minutes flat!

Budget Friendly. Made with ground beef, pantry staples, and a box of elbow macaroni to feed the whole family for next to nothing.

Incredibly Comforting. Thick, hearty, and rich. The kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul.

Pasta Cooks In The Sauce. The elbows soak up all of that savory tomato and beef broth, resulting in the most flavorful macaroni imaginable.

Cheesy & Customizable. Keep it classic and simple, or load it up with extra cheddar to take it over the top!

Tastes Better The Next Day. The flavors meld together overnight, making the leftovers absolutely phenomenal.

Kid & Husband Approved. Tested and guaranteed to result in an empty bowl with a request for seconds!

Why This Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe Works

The beauty of this classic American goulash recipe is in its simplicity. Browning the ground beef first and cooking the onions and garlic in those savory drippings builds an insane amount of flavor right from the get go. Blooming them with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes creates that rich, deep base that we all know and love.

Instead of boiling the pasta separately, letting the uncooked elbow macaroni simmer directly in the broth allows it to absorb every bit of that tomatoey, beefy goodness. As it cooks down uncovered and covered intermittently, the starch from the pasta thickens up the sauce all on its own, creating that signature thick and creamy texture with no extra work needed. A final stir of shredded cheddar melts right into it, coating every single noodle in pure comfort food perfection!

Ingredients For Old Fashioned Hamburger Goulash

1 lb ground beef. 80/20 ground beef is ideal for the most flavor, however 90/10 works great as well!

1 small onion, diced. Yellow onion adds the perfect savory sweetness.

2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic takes this classic up a notch!

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes. Adds a little texture to every bite.

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce. Creates that smooth, rich, and velvety sauce.

1 ½ cups beef broth. The liquid gold that the pasta cooks in! Swap for chicken broth if that's all you have, it still works beautifully.

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. The secret ingredient that adds the deepest, most savory flavor.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A classic blend that pairs perfectly with the tomato base.

½ teaspoon paprika. Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color.

Salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking at the end!

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked. The traditional pasta for this old fashioned goulash!

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended). Mild or sharp cheddar both melt beautifully into this dish.

Kitchen Equipment

Large skillet with a lid, wooden spoon or spatula, cutting board, knife, and measuring cups and spoons.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown The Beef. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease if desired, leaving a little behind for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook The Aromatics. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so that it doesn't burn.

Step 3: Build The Sauce. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together to fully incorporate.

Step 4: Season & Boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook The Pasta. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally (about every 3-4 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Finish & Melt. Once the pasta is tender and has soaked up most of the liquid, remove the skillet from the heat. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the sauce for 1 minute, stirring until creamy.

Step 7: Serve. Dish up while hot, making sure to get all of that thick, cheesy sauce. Enjoy the coziest bowl of nostalgia!

Expert Tips For The Best Hamburger Goulash

Stir Often. The most important tip! Stir every few minutes while the pasta is simmering to prevent it from sticking or scorching to the bottom of the skillet.

Don't Skip The Worcestershire. This tiny addition adds so much depth and that classic, old fashioned flavor!

Cook To Al Dente. Check your pasta right around the 12 minute mark. It will continue to soak up any remaining liquid off of the heat, so pulling it right when it's tender prevents it from getting mushy.

Leave A Little Liquid. There's nothing wrong with a little sauciness! This goulash is meant to be thick and hearty, not dry.

Use A Large Skillet. Make sure your skillet is big enough to hold everything once the pasta expands as it cooks!

Add Cheese Off The Heat. Stir your cheddar in after removing from the heat to get the smoothest, meltiest result with no risk of clumping.

Make It A Day Ahead. This is one of those rare meals that tastes even better the next day. The flavors are unbelievably rich after sitting overnight!

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Not Stirring Enough. Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it is very prone to sticking. A quick stir every 3-4 minutes is crucial.

Cooking On Too High Of Heat. After bringing to a boil, drop the heat down to medium-low. Cooking too aggressively can cause the bottom to scorch before the pasta is fully cooked.

Overcooking The Pasta. Pull it off of the heat once tender. If left for too long, it will continue to absorb liquid and can become overly soft.

Adding Cheese While Boiling. Always remove from the heat before adding shredded cheese to prevent it from getting grainy.

Draining Too Much Grease. Leaving just a tablespoon or two of the beef drippings behind adds an incredible amount of flavor to the sauce!

Delicious Variations

Cheesy Goulash. Add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheddar, or mix in some Monterey Jack for an ultra gooey version!

Spicy Goulash. Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick of heat.

Velveeta Goulash. Swap the shredded cheddar for 4-6 ounces of cubed Velveeta for the creamiest, velvety texture imaginable.

Mushroom Goulash. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an extra savory, hearty twist.

Turkey Goulash. Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Just add a splash of extra Worcestershire to boost the flavor!

Bell Pepper Goulash. Dice up a green bell pepper and cook it with the onions for that classic, old fashioned diner style flavor.

Tomato Soup Style. Add an extra splash of beef broth at the end if you prefer a looser, soupier style goulash.

Pizza Goulash. Stir in a pinch of oregano and top with mozzarella cheese for a fun pizza inspired twist!

Make It Healthier

Lean Ground Beef. Use 93% lean ground beef to cut down on fat without sacrificing too much flavor.

Whole Wheat Pasta. Swap for whole wheat elbow macaroni. It may need an extra minute or two of cook time, but adds a nice boost of fiber!

Reduce The Cheese. Either omit the cheddar entirely, or cut it down to ¼ cup. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without it.

Add More Veg. Toss in diced zucchini, carrots, or shredded cabbage while the sauce is simmering for an easy way to sneak in extra veggies.

Low Sodium Options. Use low sodium beef broth and low sodium tomato sauce to have more control over the salt content.

Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead. This goulash is the perfect make ahead meal! It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Portion For The Week. Divide into airtight meal prep containers for easy grab and heat lunches throughout the week.

Keep Toppings Separate. If you'd like to add extra cheese on top, keep it in a separate container until you're ready to reheat to get the meltiest result!

Freezer Friendly Batch. Double the recipe and freeze half for a future night where you need comfort food in a pinch!

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Allow to cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta may soften a little upon thawing, however it is still delicious!

Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the easiest reheating, or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of extra broth.

Stovetop Reheating (Recommended): Add to a large skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving). Stir frequently for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

Microwave Reheating: Add to a microwave safe bowl with a small splash of broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1 minute intervals, stirring in between until heated to at least 165°F (74°C).

What To Serve With Hamburger Goulash

This thick and hearty goulash is a meal all on its own, however it pairs beautifully with a few classic sides. A warm slice of buttered cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce. A crisp, fresh green salad or some steamed green beans help balance out all of that richness. Garlic bread is also an absolute must in my house to mop up every bit left in the bowl!

Beverage Pairings

Sweet Tea: The quintessential comfort food pairing. Ice cold sweet tea just belongs alongside a bowl of goulash!

Root Beer: Nostalgic, sweet, and pairs incredibly well with this old fashioned meal.

Amber Ale: A malty, crisp amber ale cuts through the richness beautifully.

Lemonade: Ice cold tart lemonade is super refreshing alongside this hearty dish.

Non-Alcoholic: Classic iced tea or sparkling lemonade are both amazing options!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the pasta separately? You could, however I highly recommend cooking it directly in the skillet! It absorbs all of the flavor and the starch thickens the sauce to that perfect, classic goulash consistency.

Do I have to use elbow macaroni? Elbows are traditional, however any small pasta shape such as ditalini, small shells, or rotini will all work wonderfully! Just keep an eye on the cook time as it may vary slightly.

Can I make this without cheese? Absolutely! This dish is incredibly delicious all on its own. The cheese is optional, but oh so creamy and worth it if you have some on hand!

My goulash turned out a little dry, what happened? This can happen if it was overcooked or if your heat was too high. Add a splash of extra beef broth (about 1/4 cup) and stir over low heat for a minute to bring it back to that saucy consistency.

Can I freeze this goulash? Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just note that the pasta will be a little softer upon reheating. Add an extra splash of broth when reheating to help revive it.

Is this the same as American Chop Suey? Very similar! They're nearly identical dishes. Depending on where you're from, some families call it hamburger goulash, others call it American chop suey. Either way, it's pure comfort food!

Can I use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce? In a pinch, you can substitute 1 (10.75 oz) can of condensed tomato soup for the tomato sauce. You may want to cut back slightly on the salt as tomato soup tends to be saltier.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking? Stir frequently (every 3-4 minutes), keep the heat at medium-low, and make sure there's enough liquid throughout the cooking process. A heavy bottomed skillet also helps immensely!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serves 6 | Estimated Values: Calories: 425, Protein: 25g, Total Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 38g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 9g, Sodium: 685mg, Cholesterol: 80mg.

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based off of the specific ingredients and brands used.

Final Thoughts

This easy old fashioned hamburger goulash recipe is so much more than just a meal. It's a time machine in a skillet. One bite and I'm right back in my childhood kitchen watching my mom stir away, the house filled with that unbeatable smell, and knowing without a doubt that the best thing in the world was about to be served for dinner.

Thick, cheesy, hearty, and bursting with nostalgic flavor, this one pot ground beef goulash is the perfect remedy for a long day. It requires minimal effort, utilizes pantry staples, and creates the biggest payoff. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, passing the tradition down to your own little ones, or just craving a big bowl of comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple. One bite and you'll understand exactly why not a single drop gets left in the bowl!