Description
Homestyle American Goulash is a comforting, one-pot dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then combined with elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a rich blend of seasonings like paprika, Italian herbs, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. The dish simmers to allow the flavors to meld, creating a savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly hearty meal. The pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying and comforting. Often topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese, this American version of goulash is easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty Homestyle American Goulash:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: A classic choice for American goulash, the ground beef provides a hearty, savory base to the dish. You can also use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce form the rich, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and beef, infusing every bite with a deep, savory taste.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditionally used in goulash, but feel free to swap it out for any pasta shape you like. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish, creating a melty, gooey topping that makes this goulash irresistible.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper are the perfect blend of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish, giving it that comforting, home-cooked taste.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Homestyle American Goulash:
Prepare the Goulash Base:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. (If you’re using lean ground beef, the oil helps keep the meat from sticking to the pan.)
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Season the Meat: Add the dried Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Cook the Pasta:
- Add the Pasta: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well-covered by the sauce.
- Simmer the Goulash: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the sauce and become tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
Add the Cheese:
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the dish.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and serve the Homestyle American Goulash hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comfort of this classic meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 400-450 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 28g