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American Goulash

American Goulash
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American Goulash is a warm, comforting, and hearty one-pot dish combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and rich seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this classic comfort food comes together quickly with simple pantry staples and finishes with creamy melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 to 2 cups water or broth (enough to just cover the pasta)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and beginning to brown. Then add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened to build a flavor foundation.
  2. Add the Bell Peppers and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped bell peppers along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let cook for a few minutes until the peppers soften and the spices release their aroma.
  3. Combine Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well. Add Worcestershire sauce to deepen the umami flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni directly to the sauce. Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Simmer with the pot partially covered, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Melt in the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a creamy and decadent finish. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Turn off the heat and prepare to serve.

Notes

  • Use ground beef with some fat (80/20) for richer flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to develop deeper flavors.
  • Add broth or water gradually to maintain ideal sauce consistency.
  • Stir in fresh parsley or basil just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: American Goulash, ground beef recipe, comfort food, one pot meal, easy dinner, quick pasta dish, family friendly

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/american-goulash/