Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe

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If you’ve ever wished for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to whip up, the Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a luscious tomato-based sauce packed with bell peppers and onions, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies every craving. You’ll love how effortlessly all these familiar flavors come together to create a warm, satisfying bowl that feeds both body and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each element plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so delightful and inviting.

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty flavor essential for the hearty base of the dish.
• Elbow Macaroni: The traditional pasta choice that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Onion: Finely chopped to add a natural sweetness and depth.
• Bell Peppers: Diced and colorful, these bring a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: The comforting base of the sauce, rich and tangy.
• Diced Tomatoes: Preferably with herbs to add bursts of fresh, herby notes.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the flavor and ensures the pasta cooks perfectly within the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend ties everything together with classic Mediterranean herbs.
• Salt: To balance and elevate all the flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.

How to Make Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a delicious, browned color. This caramelization locks in flavor and builds a savory foundation for your goulash.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy, then return the pan to the heat. This step ensures your goulash stays rich without being heavy.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Peppers

Add the chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to release their natural sweetness, deepening the flavor profile of the dish.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until its fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Garlic is small but mighty, bringing a warm, savory depth that’s hard to beat.

Step 5: Combine Tomato Components

Pour in the tomato sauce along with the diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to mix all those robust, tangy tomato flavors together. This tomato base is what makes your goulash mouthwateringly comforting.

Step 6: Add Beef Broth

Now, pour in the beef broth to not only enrich the flavors but also help cook the pasta right in the sauce, allowing it to absorb every bit of that delicious liquid.

Step 7: Season the Dish

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. This combination is your secret weapon, bringing a classic and balanced flavor that becomes the heart of your goulash.

Step 8: Boil and Add Pasta

Turn up the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Then, add the elbow macaroni, stirring to make sure the pasta stays submerged in the liquid. This way, it cooks evenly and swells with all the wonderful flavors.

Step 9: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help everything cook beautifully together.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once your pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to perfection, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld further. Stir once more, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

How to Serve Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. These simple garnishes bring brightness and creaminess that elevate the comforting vibe of this classic dish.

Side Dishes

Serve your goulash with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread. The freshness of leafy greens or the buttery crunch of bread makes the meal complete and balanced, complementing the rich, tomatoey goodness of the goulash.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the goulash into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve it atop baked potatoes for a hearty, visually appealing meal. You can even add a dollop of sour cream to bring a cool contrast to each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the goulash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some headspace since the pasta will expand slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta tends to absorb moisture while stored.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook slightly faster than beef.

What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?

Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. The goal is to choose a pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe is mild by design but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?

After simmering for about 15-20 minutes, taste the pasta to ensure it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your stovetop and pasta brand.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a bowl of Classic American Goulash Made Simple and Delicious Recipe. It’s a dish that brings back memories while feeling fresh and doable for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!

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