Description
This hearty Beefy American Goulash is a classic comfort food dish featuring lean ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. Perfectly simmered to meld flavors, this easy one-pot meal serves 8 and is ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 2 lbs uncooked 95% lean ground beef
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 3 cups water
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 oz uncooked elbow macaroni (use whole wheat pasta if following the WW Purple plan)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place the ground beef in a large Dutch oven and cook over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces with a spoon or spatula until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan to reduce fat content.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Stir and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, low sodium soy sauce, and incorporate all the seasonings including Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce and stir to mix thoroughly. Re-cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the pot from the heat, stir the goulash, and take out the bay leaves. Let the dish sit covered for 15 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken and flavors settle.
Notes
- Use whole wheat elbow macaroni for a healthier twist and added fiber.
- Drain the grease after browning the beef to reduce fat content.
- Simmering the goulash covered helps to thicken the sauce and fully cook the pasta inside the sauce.
- Allowing the dish to rest off heat enhances flavor absorption.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American