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Classic American Goulash

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Classic American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cover the pot. Simmer for another 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Notes

Add shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy version.Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.Leftovers can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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