Name: Classic American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large diced onion; 4 cloves minced garlic; 3 cups water; 1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon); 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce; 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon seasoned salt; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)

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Introduction

Classic American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and always satisfying.

This image shows a yellow pot filled with a hearty pasta dish made of elbow macaroni, ground meat, chunks of tomato, and tomato sauce. The dish has a rich mix of red, brown, and orange colors with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The pot’s inner rim is coated with a bit of sauce, creating a rustic look, and a wooden spoon is partially submerged in the pasta on the right side. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a dark striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 large diced onion
4 cloves minced garlic
3 cups water
1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon)
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 bay leaves
2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the ground beef to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef for 7-8 minutes, then remove it from the pot and drain, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley on top.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add a diced bell pepper with the onions for extra color and sweetness.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Leftovers can be mixed with extra cheese and baked briefly for a casserole-style dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a pot filled with a thick, hearty macaroni and ground meat stew. The dish has three main layers: the small elbow macaroni with a soft pale cream color, the ground meat cooked brown and crumbly, and chunks of bright red tomatoes mixed throughout. The stew is thick with a rich reddish-brown sauce coating all the ingredients, and small pieces of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top. A wooden spoon rests in the pot, lifting a spoonful of the mixture, highlighting the texture of the pasta and meat. The pot's inside is white, and the whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Classic American Goulash?

Yes, you can freeze goulash. Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well too. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta chosen.