Description
American Goulash is a hearty one-pot dish made with ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This comforting meal is easy to make, quick to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights. With rich flavors and a customizable base, it’s a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup beef broth (or water)
2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the broth and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add cheese (optional): Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Try adding more cheese, or experiment with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different texture.
- Use any small pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or shells in place of elbow macaroni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg