🍝 American Goulash
American goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort food made with pasta, seasoned meat, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s different from Hungarian goulash—it’s quicker, simpler, and very family-friendly.
đź§ľ Ingredients:
- 250–500g ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1–2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1 tbsp oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the beef
- Heat oil in a large pot
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft
- Add ground beef and cook until browned
2. Add sauce
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and seasoning
- Add water or broth
- Bring to a gentle simmer
3. Add pasta
- Stir in elbow macaroni
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Cook until pasta is tender and sauce thickens
4. Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (it thickens more)
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Top with shredded cheese đź§€
- Serve with garlic bread
- Add chili flakes for heat 🌶️
🔥 Tips:
- Stir often so pasta doesn’t stick
- Add extra broth if it gets too thick
- Let it sit—flavor improves as it rests
- Use lean meat for less grease
🌟 Variations:
- Cheesy American goulash (add cheddar at the end)
- Spicy version with jalapeños or chili flakes
- Veg version using mushrooms or lentils instead of meat
If you want, I can also give you a slow-cooked version, a cheesy baked casserole style, or a quick 20-minute one-pot recipe 👍