Description
This classic American Goulash recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a balance of spices and optional melted cheddar cheese for creamy richness. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it makes a family-friendly dish that reheats beautifully and can be customized with vegetables or alternative meats.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the browned beef and onions. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheese: If desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the American Goulash hot as a satisfying main course perfect for any dinner occasion.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of this dish.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra vegetables and texture.
- This dish reheats well and is ideal for meal prepping; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or omit cheese to reduce fat content if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
