Description
Despite sharing its name with the famous paprika stew from Central Europe, American goulash is an entirely distinct culinary creation. In American kitchens, this dish is a warm tomato-based pasta meal. Cooked ground beef and uncooked elbow macaroni simmer together directly inside a seasoned broth.
Ingredients
Scale
Serves 6
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Build the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked macaroni.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
- Add cheese: If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~520 kcal
Keywords: classic American goulash, beef macaroni goulash, one pot goulash, easy ground beef goulash