🍲 Old-Fashioned American Goulash

by

A nostalgic one-pot wonder with tender macaroni, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato base—just like grandma made, but with modern W-W-friendly options.

Prep Time: 10 minutes · Cook Time: 30 minutes · Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Cuisine: Classic American Comfort
Difficulty: Easy
Tags: One-Pot · Meal Prep Friendly · W-W Adaptable

✅ Ingredients Checklist

Main Components

  • Ground beef (900g / ~2 lbs – use 93% lean or ground turkey for W-W)

  • Onion (1 large, finely chopped)

  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  • Bell peppers (1 green + 1 red, diced)

  • Elbow macaroni (250g – whole wheat or high-fiber for W-W)

  • Crushed tomatoes (795g)

  • Tomato sauce (425g)

  • Tomato paste (32g)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • Paprika (2 tsp)

  • Dried oregano (1 tsp)

  • Dried basil (1 tsp)

  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Optional Finish

  • Shredded cheddar cheese (200g – reduced-fat if desired)

🥄 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

  2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 min until soft. Stir in bell peppers, cook another 2–3 min.

  3. Build the Sauce: Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste. Stir to combine.

  4. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

  5. Fold in Pasta: Stir macaroni into the sauce mixture. Ensure it’s fully coated.

  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 min until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.

  7. Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle cheese on top, cover again until melted.

  8. Serve Hot: Dish into bowls and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.

💡Quick Tips

  • Use lean beef or swap for turkey to lower fat content.

  • Add spinach or zucchini for bonus nutrients.

  • Skip cheese or use light cheddar to keep points low.

I. Why “Recipe-First”?

Old-fashioned comfort should be simple. You’ve got the how-to right away—and everything else (W-W swaps, storage, and flavor tweaks) is just a scroll away.

II. Introduction

This American-style goulash is that one-pot dinner we all grew up loving—meaty, saucy, and loaded with elbow macaroni and sweet bell peppers. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable. Best part? It’s W-W-friendly with a few easy swaps—so you can enjoy seconds without the stress.

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Start with Browning

  • Use a wide skillet or Dutch oven. Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces.

  • Drain off fat for a lighter version.

2. Veggie Boost

  • Add in onion and garlic. Let them sweat until fragrant.

  • Stir in red and green peppers for a slight sweetness and color.

3. Create the Sauce

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste.

  • Mix until smooth and well integrated.

4. Spice It Up

  • Season generously—paprika adds warmth, oregano and basil give it that cozy Italian-inspired touch.

5. Stir in the Macaroni

  • Uncooked pasta goes straight in—no need to pre-boil!

  • Stir thoroughly so every piece is coated.

6. Simmer & Serve

  • Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice.

  • Add shredded cheddar at the end if desired, cover to melt.

IV. Ingredient Insights & W-W Swaps

  • Ground Beef: 93% lean or swap for extra-lean turkey

  • Pasta: Use whole wheat elbows or a chickpea/lentil blend

  • Tomato Sauce: Opt for no-sugar-added tomato products

  • Cheese: Try reduced-fat or skip it entirely

W-W Friendly Add-Ins

  • Spinach, grated zucchini, or mushrooms for added volume and fiber

  • Replace some beef with lentils for a lower-point twist

V. Serving & Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve With: A side salad with balsamic dressing or steamed green beans

  • Toppings: Fresh basil, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of Parmesan

  • Leftovers: Make a quick lunch wrap with a whole wheat tortilla

VI. Storage & Meal Prep

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

  • Freezer: Cool completely, freeze in portioned containers up to 3 months

  • Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, with lean beef & no cheese)

  • Calories: ~420

  • Protein: 30g

  • Carbs: 35g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • W-W Points: ~9–11 depending on ingredient choices

Diet Tags: High-Protein · Comfort Food · Family-Friendly

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes—watch the cook time as it may vary. Stir gently to avoid breakage.

Q: Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
A: Absolutely—just use a larger pot and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Q: What if I don’t have tomato paste?
A: Use an extra ¼ cup of tomato sauce and simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.

IX. Kristy’s Note

Goulash was one of the first dishes I learned to make as a young mom—simple, filling, and my kids always ask for seconds. It’s cozy food that tastes like home, and with W-W-friendly swaps, it’s also one you can feel great about enjoying on a regular basis.

X. More Cozy One-Pot Classics

  • W-W Creamy Turkey Skillet Lasagna

  • Skinny Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

  • Lighter Sloppy Joe Macaroni

✨ Make It & Share It!

Did you grow up with a version of goulash like this? Make Kristy’s W-W-adaptable version and tag me @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram—I love seeing your throwback meals with a healthy twist!

Leave a Comment