Ah, American Goulash! Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, the American version is more of a comforting, one-pot pasta-and-beef dish. It’s hearty, cheesy, and super easy to make.
American Goulash Recipe (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the meat:
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add vegetables and seasoning:
- Stir in bell pepper, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked macaroni, reduce heat to simmer, and cook 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with cheese (optional):
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve hot:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Tips:
- You can throw in frozen peas or corn for extra veggies.
- For a richer flavor, use half beef broth and half tomato juice or crushed tomatoes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
If you want, I can also give a 10-minute “speedy” American goulash version that uses pre-cooked pasta and cooks almost instantly. Do you want me to do that?
