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American Goulash Recipe

American Goulash Recipe

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5.3 from 19 reviews

A comforting and hearty American Goulash recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • pounds ground beef (lean or extra lean)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 2 cups passata (or tomato sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 bay leaves

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry, uncooked)
  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. If needed, discard excess grease from the pan, leaving behind 1-2 tablespoons. Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until aromatic.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, passata, soy sauce, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the macaroni and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
  4. Stir in the cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

  • Ground Beef: Use lean or extra lean to avoid excess grease. If using regular, drain off the fat after browning to avoid a greasy result.
  • Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other short pasta varieties work well. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Tomatoes: The combination of diced tomatoes and passata provides a balance of texture and flavor.
  • Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese for creaminess or add more as a topping for extra cheesiness.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor without a distinct soy taste, enhancing the overall dish.
  • Make Ahead: Flavors develop, making leftovers even tastier. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
  • Reheating: If the goulash thickens upon refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to achieve desired consistency.

Nutrition