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Classic American Goulash

A hearty one-pot comfort food made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy nights, budget-friendly, and even better as leftovers.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound ground beef 80 percent lean works great
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth chicken broth works too
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional but amazing

Method
 

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef as it cooks and continue until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Keep the heat at medium and mix well.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the salt and Italian seasoning. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is mostly covered with the liquid. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
  7. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving until melted and creamy.

Notes

This goulash tastes even better the next day. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to customize. Use ground turkey or pork as an alternative protein. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.