Here’s a hearty and comforting American Goulash recipe—a simple, one-pot pasta and beef dish with tomato-based sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
🥄 Instructions
- Brown Beef:
In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. - Sauté Aromatics:
Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. - Add Liquids & Seasoning:
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. - Cook Pasta:
Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce is thickened. - Optional Cheese:
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or sprinkle on top just before serving. - Serve:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, add bell peppers, mushrooms, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
I can also give a slow cooker version of American goulash that lets the beef and pasta simmer together for even more flavor with minimal prep.
Do you want me to share that version?