Old Fashioned Goulash

## **Instructions**

### 1. **Brown the Ground Beef**
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

### 2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

### 3. **Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings**
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

### 4. **Cook the Pasta**
While the sauce is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni (or other short pasta) according to package directions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

### 5. **Combine the Pasta and Sauce**
Once the tomato sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, stir in the cooked pasta. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and for the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

### 6. **Serve and Add Cheese**
Spoon the goulash into bowls and, if desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy, melty finish. You can also sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or fresh parsley for garnish.

### 7. **Enjoy!**
Serve your **Old Fashioned Goulash** hot, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

### **Hearty and Filling:**
The combination of ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce makes this dish incredibly hearty and filling. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you satisfied for hours, perfect for those chilly nights when you need something comforting.

### **Easy to Make:**
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a no-fuss dish that even beginner cooks can master.

### **Budget-Friendly:**
Old Fashioned Goulash is also incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples like canned tomatoes and seasonings are all affordable ingredients that make this dish a great option for families looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.

### **Customizable:**
While this recipe is a classic, it’s also highly customizable. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor, or even swap out the beef for turkey or sausage. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, making it as mild or as spicy as you like.

### **Perfect for Leftovers:**
Old Fashioned Goulash makes fantastic leftovers! The flavors only get better as it sits, so it’s a great dish to make in advance for lunch the next day or to freeze for future meals.

## **Tips for the Perfect Goulash**

– **Use lean ground beef** to reduce the amount of fat in the dish. If you like, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– **Don’t overcook the pasta**. Since it will simmer in the sauce later, make sure it’s cooked just until al dente, or it could become too soft.
– **Adjust the seasoning** to your preference. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
– **Top with cheese**. A generous sprinkling of shredded cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch. Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a twist.

## **Final Thoughts**

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy bowl of **Old Fashioned Goulash**. This dish is the definition of comfort food—easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or packing leftovers for lunch, this goulash will always hit the spot.

Try it out next time you’re craving a classic, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. You won’t be disappointed!