Here’s a classic American Goulash recipe—hearty, comforting, and easy to make with ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Add onion and bell peppers (if using), sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Stir in uncooked pasta.
- Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
5. Add Cheese (Optional)
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or sprinkle on top before serving for a melty, cheesy finish.
6. Serve
- Serve hot, optionally with a side salad or garlic bread.
💡 Tips:
- Adjust pasta amount depending on how thick or saucy you want the goulash.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Leftovers taste great the next day and can be reheated easily.
If you want, I can also give a creamy American goulash version with a richer cheese sauce and a slightly baked topping, perfect for comfort-food lovers.
Do you want me to do that?
