Description
American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with savory tomatoes, aromatic seasonings, and elbow macaroni, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a hearty and easy dish perfect for a family dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash and cover for a few minutes to allow it to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more paprika or Worcestershire sauce as preferred.
- Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make the dish gluten-free.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce when adding seasonings.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
