American Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion
chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce
approx. ½ of a 26 oz jar
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth or water
or as needed
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
with juices
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper
diced, optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaves
2 if they are small
- salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 ¼ cup elbow macaroni noodles
uncooked
- ½ cup cheddar
or mozzarella cheese, shredded, optional
Directions
- 1
Cook ground beef, onion and garlic over medium high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- 2
Add water, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green peppers (if using), seasonings, & bay leaves. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- 3
Add in the elbow macaroni and continue to simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 20 minutes).
- 4
Remove & discard bay leaves. Top with cheese if using and replace the lid. Let rest about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
American Goulash
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, budget-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table? This American Goulash recipe delivers classic comfort in a single skillet, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug.This recipe shines in its remarkable simplicity and ability to deliver deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. By building the base with lean ground beef, aromatic chopped onion and minced garlic, and a rich combination of marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and concentrated tomato paste, you create a wonderfully zesty and robust foundation. The elbow macaroni then simmers directly in this flavorful liquid alongside beef broth or water, absorbing all the deliciousness for a truly cohesive and comforting skillet dinner, seasoned perfectly with Italian seasoning and bay leaves.You'll be treated to a deliciously robust and slightly tangy tomato sauce, expertly balanced with the savory richness of lean ground beef. The tender elbow macaroni noodles, cooked right in the sauce, absorb its depth, creating a satisfying, hearty texture in every bite. With the subtle aromatics of bell pepper (if you choose to add it) and the warm spice of Italian seasoning, this dish embodies true comfort food. It's a remarkably easy meal to pull together, yet it tastes like it took hours, and it offers a generous 8 servings, making it ideal for feeding a family or for meal prepping.Feel free to personalize your goulash to your taste or what you have on hand. You can easily swap out cheddar for mozzarella cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese) if you prefer a different melt, or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option. The diced green bell pepper is an optional addition, perfect if you enjoy an extra layer of fresh flavor and a hint of sweetness. For the liquid, you can use either beef broth for a richer depth of flavor or water for a lighter profile, both working well to cook the macaroni.Serve this American Goulash piping hot as the ultimate comforting dinner. It’s a complete and satisfying meal on its own, embodying warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful, ready to be enjoyed any night of the week when you need a hearty and easy dish.