Old-Fashioned Comfort: How to Make Classic Goulash Just Like Grandma’s

Photo byAngie Bright

Goulash is a timeless dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Its rich, comforting flavors make it the kind of meal that everyone loves, whether served at a family dinner or a friendly gathering. This particular goulash recipe offers an old-fashioned twist, blending classic ingredients with a touch of cheesy goodness to bring comfort right to your table. It's simple, hearty, and packed with bold flavors.

The roots of goulash stretch back to Central Europe, particularly Hungary, where it was originally a soup or stew made with meat, paprika, and other spices. Over time, variations of goulash spread across the world, each region adding its own spin to the dish. In the United States, American goulash became a popular one-pot meal that many households now cherish. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: simplicity and taste.

Picture the smell of onions sautéing with garlic and spices as the base of your meal begins to form. Then comes the browned hamburger meat, perfectly seasoned and simmering in a rich tomato sauce. Cheddar cheese adds a layer of creaminess, making this dish irresistibly savory. The final touch is the pasta, which is cooked separately to maintain its perfect texture before being combined with the flavorful meat sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this goulash will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cheesy Goulash

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 oz can tomato sauce (plus 1 can water)
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (plus 1 can water)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more for garnish if desired)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni is a classic choice)

Instructions:

1. Begin by sautéing the diced onion in a pan over medium heat. As the onion cooks and softens, add the oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Stir occasionally to let the onions absorb the flavors.
2. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the onions, breaking it apart and browning it well. Once the meat is browned, season with chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Turn down the heat and let the meat mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, ensuring the beef is fully cooked through.
4. Stir in the 15 oz can of tomato sauce and one can of water, followed by the diced tomatoes with their juice and another can of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. You may need to add extra water during this time if the sauce thickens too much.
5. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat sauce, stirring it in until the cheese melts and blends smoothly into the mixture.
6. In a separate pot, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once drained, add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce, stirring it all together and simmering for another 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot, with extra cheddar cheese sprinkled on top for those who enjoy it extra cheesy.

This recipe offers a nostalgic taste of home, bringing together comforting ingredients in a dish that’s both simple to make and delicious to eat. The blend of savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese makes every bite satisfying. It’s no wonder this goulash has been a family favorite for generations.

Whether you're serving it for a cozy dinner at home or sharing it with friends, this old-fashioned goulash is sure to leave a lasting impression. Feel free to customize it with your own favorite spices or cheese to make it even more special.

This old-fashioned goulash recipe brings a nostalgic taste of home with its simple ingredients and hearty flavor. American goulash is a popular comfort food, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and a touch of cheese. This version is similar to many traditional takes on the dish, with a rich tomato sauce, browned hamburger, and classic seasonings like oregano, garlic, and chili powder, which give it a well-rounded flavor. Some recipes, like those from I Heart Recipes and Don't Sweat the Recipe, suggest adding Worcestershire sauce for depth or using Italian seasonings for a herby kick​(Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts)​(Don't Sweat The Recipe).

For this recipe, after browning the beef and onions, you’ll simmer everything together with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. The shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in to create that creamy, cheesy finish. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it stays perfectly tender before combining it with the sauce. Some variations suggest adding vegetables like green peppers, peas, or even kidney beans for extra texture and nutrition​(I Heart Recipes).