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A steaming bowl of hearty American goulash with pasta and meat

Classic American Goulash

This classic American goulash recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked

For Serving (Optional)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart and draining excess grease.
  • Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce; then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer.
  • Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce, ensuring it is submerged.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove from heat and let rest; serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water. Adjust seasoning to your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the sautéing step. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.