Description
This classic American Goulash recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and paprika. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a savory, cheesy dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Tomato Products and Seasonings: Stir in 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can diced tomatoes with juice, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add Broth and Macaroni: Pour in 2 cups beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the uncooked 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni evenly throughout the skillet.
- Simmer the Goulash: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Optional Cheese Step: If desired, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve: Serve the goulash hot, optionally topped with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- This American-style goulash is a comforting one-pot meal that’s quick to prepare.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
