Picture this: a cozy evening, the kind where you can hear the wind whistling outside and you just want to snuggle up with a warm bowl of something comforting.
That’s where this easy American goulash comes in—a hearty hug in a bowl, bursting with tender beef, soft pasta, and the rich, tomatoey goodness that somehow tastes even better as leftovers (if there are any! ).
It’s like the culinary equivalent of your favorite old sweater—familiar, comforting, and just the right amount of nostalgia, reminding me of simpler times spent around the family table.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, remove any excess fat, and then return the pot to the stove. Stir in minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat to a gentle boil and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, approximately 20 minutes. Once done, remove the bay leaves.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving to add a creamy texture, then serve and enjoy your goulash.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Nutritional Values for the Entire Recipe:
Calories: 3880 kcal | Carbohydrates: 200 g | Protein: 220 g | Fat: 240 g | Saturated Fat: 100 g | Cholesterol: 760 mg | Sodium: 9180 mg | Potassium: 4390 mg | Fiber: 20 g | Sugar: 20 g | Vitamin A: 1740 IU | Vitamin C: 120 mg | Calcium: 1340 mg | Iron: 30 mg
FAQ
- What is American Goulash?
- American Goulash is a comforting dish made with ground beef, onion, and bell peppers cooked together with macaroni noodles in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a quick, affordable meal that is popular for busy weeknights and gatherings.
- Can I substitute the macaroni noodles with another type of pasta?
- Yes, you can replace macaroni noodles with any small pasta you have at home. The recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to use different types of pasta based on your preference or availability.
- How can I make this Goulash recipe leaner?
- To make this dish leaner, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey. This will reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining the dish’s hearty flavor.
- What additional vegetables can I include in the Goulash?
- You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables like corn, peas, diced carrots, green beans, or even stirring in some baby spinach at the end for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Is it possible to make the Goulash creamier?
- Absolutely! For a creamier texture, you can stir in a cup of sour cream at the end. This will give the Goulash a rich and smooth consistency.
Tips
- Use a large pot for cooking since this recipe makes a generous amount.
- Feel free to substitute macaroni noodles with any small pasta you have available.
- For a leaner dish, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Enhance the dish by adding extra vegetables such as corn, peas, diced carrots, green beans, or even baby spinach.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven (6 quarts)
- Wooden Spoon Set
- Cheese Grater
