Description
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines familiar ingredients to create a classic American goulash that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, savory taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot along with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Season and Stir: Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all flavors.
- Cook Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and let it cook over low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated for a creamy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve the goulash hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf during simmering.
- Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- The shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
