Description
American Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a melty layer of shredded cheddar cheese, all garnished with fresh parsley for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the dish from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor. Serve the American Goulash hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- This dish is versatile; you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or add vegetables such as corn or peas for added nutrition and color.
