Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food! American Goulash is a truly special dish. It’s a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a rich, savory tomato sauce, all mixed with seasoned ground beef. It’s pure deliciousness in every single bite.
What makes this goulash so wonderful is how incredibly easy and quick it is to prepare. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families or a cozy meal for a quiet evening at home.
So, are you ready to discover the magic of this classic dish? Get ready to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas and your belly with pure comfort. Trust me, once you try this American Goulash, it will become a regular request in your home!
Cooking Time & Prep Time
Here’s a quick look at how much time you’ll need:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Small tip: Chop your onions and garlic while the ground beef is browning. This saves precious minutes and makes the process even faster!
Ingredients
This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
For the Goulash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
Small tip: Drain any excess grease from the pot after browning the beef. This makes your goulash less oily and healthier.
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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once the beef is browned and drained, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Step 3: Add Tomato Products and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix everything well until the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Add the beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Small tip: Don’t be shy with the Italian seasoning! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
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Step 4: Bring to a Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Step 5: Add the Macaroni
Uncover the pot and stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. If it looks a little dry, you can add a splash more broth or water.
Small tip: Stir the pasta well to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This also ensures even cooking.
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Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Cover the pot again and continue to simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken as the pasta cooks and absorbs the liquid.
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Step 7: Check and Adjust Seasoning
Once the pasta is cooked, taste the goulash. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You might find it needs a little more of either, depending on your preference.
Small tip: A dash of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if you find the sauce too tart. Start with half a teaspoon.
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Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot American Goulash into bowls. If desired, sprinkle each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the cooking time on the gluten-free pasta package as it can vary.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic in a little vegetable broth instead. Replace the beef with 1 can (15 ounces) of drained and rinsed lentils or a cup of your favorite plant-based ground “meat” alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- More Vegetables or Protein: Boost the nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or mushrooms with the onions. You can also add a can of drained kidney beans or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Spicy Version: For a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the goulash when you add the tomato products. A diced jalapeño can also be added with the onions.
- Creamy Goulash: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese just before serving. This adds a lovely velvety finish.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
Please note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Health Benefits
American Goulash, while a comfort food, offers some great nutritional benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients.
The lean ground beef provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s also rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen in the blood, and zinc, vital for immune function.
Tomatoes, in all their forms (sauce, diced, paste), are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential heart health benefits. They also contribute Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and Vitamin K, important for blood clotting.
Onions and garlic aren’t just for flavor! They contain beneficial compounds and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, in particular, is known for its immune-boosting capabilities.
Even the pasta contributes complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy for your body. When combined with the other ingredients, this dish offers a balanced meal that can keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve a big bowl of goulash alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. It’s a perfect contrast to the rich goulash.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Don’t forget something to soak up all that delicious sauce! Garlic bread or warm, crusty dinner rolls are ideal.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn adds extra color and nutrients to your meal.
- As a Main Dish: This goulash is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. It’s truly a one-pot wonder!
- Meal Prep Idea: Cook a double batch and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
Storage Tips
Leftover American Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well! Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate American Goulash! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Its rich flavors, tender pasta, and savory beef create a comforting experience that everyone loves. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
Don’t wait to bring this classic comfort food into your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or whenever you need a little extra warmth and joy. The ease of preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and create a memorable meal. Share this wonderful goulash with your family and friends. Watch their smiles as they savor every bite. Happy cooking!
