Description
American Goulash is a warm, comforting, and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce simmered to perfection. This easy one-pot meal blends savory flavors and simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner that works well for families, solo dinners, or casual gatherings. With customizable options and budget-friendly pantry staples, it’s a beloved classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add dry elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce. Stir occasionally and cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy layer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the American Goulash into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh onions and garlic for deeper flavor.
- Watch the macaroni closely to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Adjust liquid levels by adding broth or water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Choose sharp cheddar for tanginess or mozzarella for creaminess, or combine both.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving for flavors to meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: American Goulash, comfort food, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, one-pot meal, hearty recipe, family-friendly, tomato sauce pasta
