Here’s a classic American Goulash recipe—hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors 🍝🍅🥩
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for saucier version)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasoning
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- If you want a saucier goulash, add broth at this stage.
- Cook the Pasta
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle extra cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving.
- Make-ahead: Prepare in advance and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
- Slow cooker version: Cook browned beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings, and broth in a slow cooker for 3–4 hours on low. Add pasta and cheese 30 minutes before serving.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot stovetop American goulash version that’s faster and mess-free, perfect for weeknights.
Do you want me to provide that version?