Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Nostalgic American Goulash Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty and comforting, classic American Goulash brings generations of home-cooked memories to your dinner table. Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce create a warm embrace that connects you to cherished family traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) macaroni noodles, uncooked
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce & Liquids:

  • 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
  • 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Finish:

  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers, sautéing until meat transforms to a rich, caramel-brown color and loses its raw appearance.
  2. Integrate minced garlic, stirring rapidly for 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
  3. Create the flavor foundation by incorporating beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Elevate to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat, covering and allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes.
  4. Reestablish medium-high temperature, introducing uncooked macaroni directly into the sauce. Allow pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking and prevent底部粘附. The sauce will naturally thicken during this process.
  5. Extract bay leaves from the mixture. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and harmoniously integrated. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, tasting and modifying salt and pepper as needed. Present the goulash piping hot, optionally adorned with additional cheese or fresh herb garnish.

Notes

  • Customize Meat Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Pasta Perfection Slightly undercook macaroni since it continues absorbing sauce during simmering, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal consistency.
  • Cheese Enhancement Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or blend multiple cheeses for deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg