Description
This Classic American Goulash recipe is a simple and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning. It’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, combining tender pasta and savory meat in a rich, herbaceous sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Provides a rich, meaty flavor.)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped.)
- 1-2 pieces Bell Peppers (Diced; can use red, green, or yellow.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
Sauces and Liquids
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce (Base of the sauce.)
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (Preferably with herbs.)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Enhances flavor and cooks pasta.)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (Traditional pasta choice for goulash.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Essential for classic flavor.)
- Salt (To taste.)
- Pepper (To taste.)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet carefully and return it to the heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomato Base: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Broth: Pour in beef broth and stir thoroughly to incorporate it into the sauce mix.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix everything well to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add elbow macaroni and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Rest and Serve: When the pasta is tender and cooked through, remove from heat and let the goulash sit for a few minutes. Stir once more, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Feel free to add shredded cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding chopped fresh parsley or basil as garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.
