Description
Classic American Goulash is an easy 35-minute one-pot dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, savory seasonings, and optional melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, preferably 85% lean
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
1 can diced tomatoes with juices, 14.5 ounces
3 cups beef broth, plus more as needed
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
1 bell pepper, diced, optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease when needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and optional bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and optional Worcestershire sauce.
4. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir every 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Check the pasta for tenderness. Add a splash of broth if the sauce looks too thick, or simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes if it looks thin.
7. Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the goulash, cover the pot, and let the cheese melt for 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Stir the pasta regularly so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
For firmer leftovers, cook the macaroni slightly under al dente.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Add a splash of broth or tomato sauce before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Classic American Goulash, quick meals, one-pot dinner, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner