Here is a complete guide for making **Old-Fashioned Goulash**, structured into all the sections you requested and formatted clearly for easy reading:
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### **Introduction**
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort dish made with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and savory seasonings. Rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it’s a nostalgic staple that reminds many of cozy family dinners and simpler times.
### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Goulash originated in Hungary as a beef stew seasoned with paprika and cooked over open fires by shepherds. The American version—often called “American Goulash”—evolved into a pasta-and-meat dish during the early 20th century, popularized for its affordability, simplicity, and ability to feed a crowd. It’s become a classic in U.S. households and school cafeterias, reflecting homey practicality and enduring taste.
### **Ingredients Quantity** *(Serves 6–8)*
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 2 cups beef broth or water
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
### **Optional Additions**
* Green bell pepper or mushrooms for extra vegetables
* Red pepper flakes for heat
* Worcestershire sauce for depth
* Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version
* A handful of spinach stirred in at the end for nutrition
### **Tips for Success**
* Brown the meat well to build flavor before adding other ingredients.
* Simmer pasta directly in the sauce—it absorbs flavor and thickens the dish.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
* Add more broth if it gets too thick before pasta is fully tender.
* Top with cheese and broil briefly for a melty, golden finish.
### **Instructions**
1. **Brown meat:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. **Add aromatics:** Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. **Add tomatoes and seasoning:** Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. **Simmer pasta:** Add broth and bring to a boil. Stir in elbow macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. **Finish:** Stir in cheese if using. Adjust seasoning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
### **Description**
Old-Fashioned Goulash is thick and saucy, with tender pasta soaking up a tangy tomato-beef sauce. It has rich umami notes, gentle spice, and a balance of textures—soft noodles, hearty meat, and optional melted cheese. Each bite tastes like home.
### **Nutritional Information** *(Per serving, based on 8 servings)*
* Calories: \~320
* Protein: 20g
* Carbohydrates: 30g
* Fat: 14g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugars: 5g
* Iron & Vitamin C: Moderate
* Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with substitutions
### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Old-Fashioned Goulash is the perfect blend of affordability, simplicity, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a large family, looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, or just craving something warm and hearty, this dish checks every box. It’s a weeknight winner and a feel-good classic.
### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
With lean proteins, fiber-rich tomatoes, and customizable veggie add-ins, this dish proves that comfort food can still be wholesome. By cooking from scratch, using whole ingredients, and watching sodium, you can enjoy goulash guilt-free. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies both your appetite and your well-being.
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