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–+ servings

American Goulash

Old Fashioned American Goulash is the classic comfort food dinner your family has been craving. This easy one pot meal comes together in just 45 minutes using budget friendly ground beef and pantry staples. Tender macaroni noodles simmer in a rich savory tomato sauce with melted cheddar cheese for the perfect cozy bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 SERVINGS

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • 2 teaspoons salt start with 1 ½ tsp, then adjust
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 –2 cups shredded cheddar cheese optional, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
  • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaf (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and the sauce is thick.
  • Remove the bay leaf. Turn heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

For firmer pasta (especially for leftovers), cook the pasta separately and stir it into the sauce right before serving.
If leftovers thicken in the fridge, add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freeze sauce without pasta for the best texture after thawing.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!