Description
Hearty american goulash brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic midwestern dish that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, thoroughly draining any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers into the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich liquid base for the goulash.
- Sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot, ensuring pasta is fully submerged in the liquid sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the goulash to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Check pasta for tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting liquid if needed during cooking process.
- Optional: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess, or sprinkle cheese on top just before serving.
- Remove from heat and let the goulash rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or a light side salad.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
- Customize vegetable mix by adding carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture variation.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt levels to control sodium intake, making the dish more diet-friendly.
- Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg