Description
This American Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it’s a satisfying dish that can be prepared on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 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
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef along with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese and Rest: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prepping.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
- Omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
