Description
This Easy American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender elbow macaroni with a hearty, flavorful meat and tomato sauce. Simmered with bell peppers, onions, and a touch of red wine, this classic dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 bell peppers
Meat and Liquids
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup water
Canned Goods and Seasonings
- 1 28oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 whole bay leaves (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Pasta and Other
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 1/2 lb.)
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent, releasing their aroma and softening.
- Add Bell Peppers: Dice the bell peppers and add to the pot with the onions and garlic. Continue sautéing for about two more minutes to soften the peppers slightly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking it apart until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Pour in the red wine and stir to deglaze the pot, loosening any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low to let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Macaroni: After simmering the sauce, add the elbow macaroni and stir it into the sauce. Replace the lid and let the macaroni cook in the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the goulash and season with salt as needed. Remove the bay leaves, stir well, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
- Red wine can be omitted or replaced with beef broth if preferred for less alcohol or stronger meat flavor.
- Leftover goulash stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your spice preference or omit for mild flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
