Description
Classic American Goulash is a comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered with tomatoes, seasonings, and elbow macaroni. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly for a hearty, flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Season and Build Flavor: Season the browned beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for future meals.
