Description
Hearty American Goulash brings nostalgic comfort straight from midwest kitchens, blending tender beef, robust tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. Hungry families will savor this classic one-pot wonder that promises delicious simplicity and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious cooking vessel and warm olive oil over moderate temperature. Introduce diced onions and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until they become translucent and tender. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for a brief moment.
- Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly fragments. Cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Carefully eliminate excess rendered fat. Enhance the protein with a harmonious blend of seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, fragrant Italian herbs, and concentrated tomato paste.
- Pour in tomato sauce, chunky diced tomatoes, savory beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly integrate all components, creating a robust and flavorful liquid base. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- Gently fold elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce, ensuring each pasta piece becomes fully submerged. Secure the pot with a lid, reducing heat to a low setting. Allow the goulash to slowly cook, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, until the noodles reach a perfectly tender consistency.
- Extinguish the heat source. If desired, fold in sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Allow the goulash to rest briefly, permitting the sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors before serving.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
- Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe completely gluten-free while preserving the classic comfort food experience.
- Create a one-pot wonder by ensuring minimal stirring and maintaining consistent low-medium heat to prevent pasta from sticking or burning during the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg