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Hearty Easy American Style Goulash Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

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A quick and comforting American style goulash featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour in 15 oz (425g) tomato sauce, 14.5 oz (410g) diced tomatoes, 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and develops rich flavors.
  6. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated with sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. If using, sprinkle 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit off heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Spoon the hearty easy American style goulash into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after simmering with sauce. Use low sodium beef broth to control saltiness. Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers taste better the next day. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Ground turkey or lentils can be used as substitutes for beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: American style goulash, easy goulash recipe, ground beef goulash, comfort food, family dinner, quick dinner, pasta recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/hearty-easy-american-style-goulash-recipe-for-cozy-family-dinners/