Description
Old-Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs. This classic American dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect family dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Optional Garnishes
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Season the Meat: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices across the meat.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier dish, include red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
