Description
A hearty and classic stovetop goulash recipe featuring lean ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni. Inspired by Paula Deen's Bobby's Goulash, this easy-to-make dish can also be prepared in a slow cooker for convenience, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 cups water
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, or to taste
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the listed ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the onions, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until evenly browned, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, dried Italian herb seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to blend flavors.
- Add Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and simmer on medium heat for 11 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the Dutch oven from the heat. Discard the bay leaves, then serve the goulash hot.
- Slow Cooker Option: After browning the beef and sautéing onions (steps 2 and 3), transfer the mixture to a preheated slow cooker on High. Add water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well to combine and cook on High for 1 hour until pasta is tender.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the seasoned salt according to your sodium preference.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when simmering macaroni on stovetop to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 8 mins
- Cook Time: 27 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
