Description
Classic American Goulash
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Directions
Cook the Beef: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Liquids: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the Pasta: Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm! Sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect American Goulash every time. First, gather all ingredients. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once no pink remains, drain the fat. Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add all seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the dry elbow macaroni directly to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and check pasta doneness. Once pasta is al dente, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but a few additions can elevate it. Serve it in deep bowls topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. For freshness, add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A dollop of sour cream can add a cool, creamy contrast. For a vegetable boost, stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
How-to Summary
Brown beef, drain. Cook onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, sauce, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Stir in dry pasta. Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Shells, rotini, or cavatappi work well. Adjust cooking time per package directions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients except pasta to the cooker. Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4. Add uncooked pasta 30 minutes before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Yes. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.
Why is my goulash too watery? This happens if the pot wasn’t covered tightly or the simmer was too low. Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to reduce, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Do not skip draining the beef fat, or the dish will be greasy. Do not forget to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Do not use too small a pot, as the pasta needs space to expand. Finally, do not add the pasta before the liquid is boiling, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Conclusion
This Classic American Goulash is the quintessential one-pot comfort meal, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Its simplicity, affordability, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common errors, you can master this timeless family favorite. Enjoy the rich, savory results of this all-in-one dinner.