Old Fashioned Goulash 🍲 (A Hearty Hug in a Bowl)

If you’re craving a warm, filling, and comforting meal, this Old Fashioned Goulash is exactly what you need. It’s rich, meaty, full of flavor, and made with simple pantry ingredients — the kind of recipe that feels like home in every bite.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want something cozy and satisfying.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and comforting 🍲
• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• One-pot easy meal
• Perfect for families and meal prep
• Budget-friendly
• Ready in under an hour

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🛒 Ingredients

• 500g ground beef 🍖
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 🍅
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional topping) 🧀

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion and cook until soft.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

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Step 2: Add flavor

Stir in:

• tomato paste
• diced tomatoes
• salt
• pepper
• paprika
• Italian seasoning

Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

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Step 3: Add liquid and pasta

Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.

Add elbow macaroni and stir.

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Step 4: Cook together

Lower heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

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Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Serve hot.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

This old fashioned goulash pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread 🥖
• Fresh green salad 🥗
• Steamed vegetables 🥦
• Pickles or coleslaw 🥒

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🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Stir often so pasta doesn’t stick
• Add more broth if it gets too thick
• Use lean beef for less grease
• Add cheese for extra creaminess
• Let it rest a few minutes before serving

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💡 Variations

• 🧀 Cheesy goulash: mix in extra cheddar
• 🌶️ Spicy version: add chili flakes or hot sauce
• 🥕 Veggie version: add carrots, peas, or peppers
• 🍄 Mushroom goulash: add sliced mushrooms
• 🥓 Bacon version: add crispy bacon bits

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🧡 Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Goulash is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, filling, and simple to make — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

A true hearty hug in a bowl, perfect for any day of the week.