American Goulash is a hearty one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni simmered together for a cozy, budget-friendly family meal.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30–35 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth or water
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add elbow macaroni and stir to prevent sticking.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Remove bay leaf if used and adjust seasoning as needed.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt, if desired.
Serve hot with fresh parsley garnish.
Notes
Add extra paprika or chili flakes for a spicier version.
Stir in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add a splash of broth when reheating if mixture thickens.