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Classic American Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 124 reviews

Classic American Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef, tender onions and garlic, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasonings and elbow macaroni, finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. This traditional dish combines simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Brown the beef: Add 2 pounds of ground beef to a large stockpot set over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef evenly for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pot with the reserved grease, add 1 large diced onion. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Add 3 cups of water, 1 tablespoon beef base, 2 cans of tomato sauce, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 3 bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Add macaroni and continue simmering: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Cover the pot again and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is cooked al dente and tender.
  5. Finish and serve: Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Use beef base or bouillon according to package directions as a substitute for broth to add depth of flavor.
  • If preferred, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmer step.
  • Stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: American goulash, ground beef recipe, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy dinner, pasta with beef, tomato sauce pasta

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/classic-american-goulash-recipe/