Description
Hearty Midwestern comfort shines through this classic American Goulash, blending robust beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce into a soul-warming one-pot marvel. Savory spices and simple ingredients create a nostalgic meal that connects generations around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 2 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Warm a spacious pot over medium flame and transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized texture, carefully discarding surplus fat.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in vibrant diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, savory beef broth, and a medley of seasonings including paprika, Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop complex flavors.
- Incorporate uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and prevent pasta from sticking.
- Cover the pot and let the goulash cook for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to maintain consistent texture and prevent burning, until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
- Extract the bay leaf and conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Plate the steaming goulash and optionally crown with sharp shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- Use whole wheat macaroni for a more nutritious twist that adds extra fiber to the meal.
- Try different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and create unique taste combinations.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg