Description
A quick and hearty American Goulash recipe combining tender ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni into a classic, comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish delivers nostalgic taste with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini (for vegetable boost)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spicy twist)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or grated Parmesan (for cheesy upgrade)
- Water or broth (enough to cover pasta, about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices to have everything ready.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building foundational flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in elbow macaroni and add enough water or broth to cover the mixture. Cover the pot and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and stir until melted and gooey. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and onions for elevated flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; stir frequently and check early to avoid mushiness.
- Season in layers during cooking for balanced taste.
- Add water or broth gradually to maintain perfect sauce consistency.
- Sharp cheddar or a cheese blend melts best and adds richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-five grams
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg