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American Goulash

American Goulash
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A quick and hearty American Goulash recipe combining ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable with your favorite veggies and cheese toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese (Optional)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until evenly browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir In Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce. Stir well, cover the skillet, and cook for around 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to brighten flavors.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent greasiness.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to thicken the sauce perfectly around the pasta.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking during cooking.
  • Let the goulash rest a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: American Goulash, ground beef goulash, quick goulash recipe, one pot dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy pasta dish

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/american-goulash/