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American Goulash

American Goulash
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This Easy Weeknight American Goulash recipe combines lean ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs for a comforting and hearty meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, and budget-friendly cooking, delivering classic American comfort food flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Extra veggies: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini
  • Cream cheese (for cheesy upgrade)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant to build the flavor base.
  2. Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the beef broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently to blend the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Cook the Pasta Separately: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well to avoid sogginess.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce and achieves a hearty consistency.
  5. Add Cheese (Optional) and Serve: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if preferred.

Notes

  • Drain excess grease from cooked beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushy noodles once mixed with the sauce.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor impact.
  • Simmer the sauce to thicken it and enhance richness.
  • Add cheese last for the best melty texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: American goulash, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/american-goulash/