Description
Nostalgic American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this classic dish offers a warm, hearty flavor perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cup macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Finishing Touch
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Vegetables and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant to enhance the flavor base of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings, Simmer: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook Macaroni: Increase heat to medium-high. Add uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove Bay Leaves and Add Cheese: Remove bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the goulash warm, optionally garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but maintain flavor.
- Do not drain the diced tomatoes to retain the liquid and texture in the sauce.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for ideal salt and pepper balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
