Ah, you mean American goulash — not the Hungarian version! This is a classic, hearty, one-pot comfort meal in the U.S., usually made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and simple seasonings. It’s inexpensive, filling, and perfect for families. Here’s a straightforward recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the beef
- In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add liquids and seasonings
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth or water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta
- Stir in uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and serve
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to melt.
- Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips for a budget-friendly, extra hearty version
- Replace some beef with ground turkey or a can of beans to stretch the recipe.
- Use whatever pasta shapes you have on hand.
- Add frozen veggies (like corn, peas, or bell peppers) for extra nutrition.
If you want, I can give you a version that’s even quicker and uses only 6 ingredients but tastes just as good — perfect for busy weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
