Ah, American goulash 🍝 — the classic comfort food with ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. This is not Hungarian goulash; it’s simple, hearty, and perfect for weeknights.
American Goulash
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook beef
- In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Build sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook pasta
- Add elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add cheese
- Stir in cheddar if desired until melted and creamy.
- Serve
- Let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
- Serve with bread or a simple salad.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Veggie boost: Toss in corn, peas, or bell peppers
- Make-ahead: Holds well in the fridge for 2–3 days
- Baked version: Top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes
I can also give you a slow cooker version of American goulash that’s set-it-and-forget-it if you want a hands-off approach.
Do you want me to do that?
