Description
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce infused with classic seasonings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful dish topped optionally with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well to combine. Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add cheese (optional): If you desire a cheesy finish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy topping.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if using, and serve the goulash hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Bell pepper is optional; feel free to omit or substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference; add more paprika or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Adding cheese is optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
