Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to adjust the level of spiciness.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced (substitute with 2-3 jalapeño peppers for added spice)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (hot paprika preferred for a spicier kick)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cans (15 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (or jalapeños) and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf. If using hot sauce, add it now. Stir to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you prefer a cheesy goulash, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until it’s melted and well incorporated, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: For an extra cheesy goulash, increase the amount of shredded cheddar or mix in other melty cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Note that the noodles may become slightly mushy upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If the goulash has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
What is the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash is a one-pot dish made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with Italian spices. Hungarian goulash, on the other hand, is a traditional stew featuring chunks of beef, paprika, and various vegetables, resulting in a thicker, more soup-like consistency.
Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
Yes, American goulash can be made ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, then cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, are certified gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can enhance the nutritional content
Print
American Goulash
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe is easy to make, versatile, and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced (or 2–3 jalapeños for spice)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend (or a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (hot paprika preferred)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cans (15 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper (or jalapeños) for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and optional hot sauce. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- (Optional) Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted, 2-3 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Meal
- Cuisine: American
