Description
This Nostalgic American Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a family dinner, this one-pot meal combines savory flavors with creamy melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, easy-to-make classic.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni noodles (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables and beef: In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and 1 lb. ground beef. Cook while stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and seasonings, then simmer: Pour in 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, and 1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes with their juice. Add 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add macaroni and cook: Increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, being careful to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cheese and season to taste: Remove the bay leaves, then stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Taste the goulash and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the goulash warm, optionally garnished with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and lower fat.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking the macaroni to prevent it from sticking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the macaroni a little longer uncovered.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni for other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
