Ah yes 🍝🇺🇸 — American Goulash is a comforting, hearty one-pot dish with pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, and a hint of cheesy goodness. It’s simple, kid-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
American Goulash
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Meat
- In a large skillet or pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add bell pepper (if using) and cook 2–3 minutes.
3. Make Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 min to let flavors meld.
4. Combine
- Stir cooked pasta into the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle in ½–1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
5. Serve
- Top with extra cheese if desired. Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.
Pro Tips
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- One-pot version: Cook pasta directly in the sauce with a little extra water for fewer dishes.
I can also give a slow-cooker American goulash, a spicy twist version, or a cheesy baked goulash casserole if you want an upgraded version.
Do you want me to do that?
