Classic American Goulash (Beefy Macaroni)

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Classic American Goulash (Beefy Macaroni)

 Description

Classic American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort dish made with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with bold, savory flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a satisfying, nostalgic homemade meal.

 Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Aromatics

  • Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Build the Sauce

  • Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
  • Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Add Pasta

  • Stir in uncooked macaroni.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

5. Simmer

  • Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

6. Finish

  • Optional: stir in cheese until melted.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve

  • Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese.

 Servings

  • Serves 4–5 people

 Notes

  • This is an American-style goulash, not traditional Hungarian goulash.
  • One-pot cooking makes cleanup easy.
  • Sauce thickens as it cools.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use lean ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
  • Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking
  • Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick
  • Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for better texture
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes

 Nutritional Information (Approx per serving)

  • Calories: 400–500 kcal
  • Protein: 20–25g
  • Fat: 15–20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40–50g
  • Fiber: 3–5g

 Benefits

  • Balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fats
  • Provides energy and keeps you full longer
  • Budget-friendly and great for meal prep
  • Easy to customize with vegetables
  • Kid-friendly and widely loved

 Q&A

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes, any short pasta like penne or shells works well.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Q: How do I make it healthier?
A: Use lean ground turkey and whole wheat pasta.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Q: Why is my goulash dry?
A: Add more broth or tomato sauce and stir well.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely—bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions.

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