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Classic American Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 344 reviews

This Classic American Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon)
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 bay leaves

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place 2 pounds of ground beef in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef for about 7-8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the meat from the pot and drain excess grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat until tender and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add liquids and seasonings: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Pour in 3 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of beef base. Then add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in the soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Mix everything thoroughly.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Add macaroni and cook: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, cover, and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add cheese and garnish: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly combined. Garnish the goulash with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

  • For a lower sodium version, use low sodium tomato sauce and reduce or omit the seasoned salt and soy sauce.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of milk or cream with the cheddar cheese.
  • Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: American Goulash, Ground Beef Goulash, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/classic-american-goulash-recipe/