Description
American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot classic made with tender elbow macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, savory tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess grease. -
Add Sauce and Seasonings:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. -
Cook the Pasta:
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Check and Serve:
Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and let the goulash rest for a few minutes to thicken. Top with shredded cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
- If you prefer softer pasta, simmer the goulash for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- To make it healthier, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken and use whole-wheat macaroni.
- This dish freezes well—cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: American Goulash