Description
American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings, simmered to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a hearty dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the ground beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of tomato sauce, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer with pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low to simmer. Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Add cheese and thicken: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese if using, allowing it to melt into the mixture. Let the goulash sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty American Goulash.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream at the end of cooking.
- This dish reheats very well, making it ideal for leftovers.
