Description
Hearty Midwestern Comfort classic, American Goulash blends rich ground beef, tender macaroni, and savory tomato sauce into a satisfying one-pot meal. Generations of home cooks have perfected this budget-friendly dish that delivers warmth and nostalgia with each comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, introducing olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently transforming them until translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking until completely bronzed and no pink remains.
- Eliminate surplus fat from the meat, ensuring a lean base for the dish.
- Pour in robust beef broth, vibrant tomato sauce, and chunky diced tomatoes, complementing with earthy paprika and fragrant Italian seasoning.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, blending flavors harmoniously.
- Cascade uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Secure the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to maintain a delicate simmer.
- Let the pasta cook undisturbed for approximately 15 minutes, or until noodles transform to perfect tenderness.
- Calibrate seasoning with judicious pinches of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
- Plate the goulash while steaming hot, optionally crowning with a cascade of melting shredded cheese for additional richness.
Notes
- Precision matters when sautéing onions and garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant to build a rich flavor foundation.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, lighter dish with more concentrated meat taste.
- Consider lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option without sacrificing the classic goulash texture and comfort.
- Experiment with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same hearty appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg