Description
Comfort meets classic with this hearty American Goulash, blending rich ground beef, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce into a soul-warming dish. Families will savor each comforting spoonful of this simple, satisfying meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or 2 cups water)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
- Sauté onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 5 minutes, then add bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika across the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking into small crumbles using a wooden spatula. Cook until meat transforms from pink to rich brown, stirring consistently.
- Drizzle Worcestershire sauce and blend in tomato paste, ensuring complete integration with meat and vegetables.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the mixture, bringing contents to a gentle simmer. Add bay leaves, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot.
- Allow mixture to simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Introduce beef broth and elbow macaroni, ensuring pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until noodles reach perfect al dente texture.
- Stir pasta intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove from heat, fold in shredded cheese until melted and glossy.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika quantity for heat-loving or mild-preference palates.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian options.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac and gluten-sensitive friendly.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg