Are you looking for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than this Easy American Goulash recipe. Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this one-pot dish brings a taste of nostalgia to your dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
American Goulash is a classic dish that is loved for its simplicity and taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights as it is easy to prepare, and best of all, it cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of pasta, ground beef, and zesty tomato sauce fills you up without requiring extensive cooking skills. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families of all sizes.
How to Make Easy American Goulash
Making Easy American Goulash is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1¼ cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta alternative)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and set it over medium heat.
- Coarsely chop the onion and add it to the heated oil; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef, gently breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for roughly 5 to 6 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 4 minutes.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy American Goulash
Serve your Easy American Goulash hot, topped with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that your family will love.
How to Store Easy American Goulash
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a bowl covered with a lid.
Tips to Make Easy American Goulash
- For added flavor, sauté some bell peppers along with the onion.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it a complete meal by tossing in some frozen mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping the elbow macaroni for a different pasta shape or by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them and add them in place of the canned tomatoes. You might need to adjust the amount of beef broth depending on the juiciness of the fresh tomatoes.
2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked goulash in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using lentils or black beans as the protein. You can also add more vegetables for a hearty meal.
Easy American Goulash
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1¼ cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta alternative)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and set it over medium heat.
- Coarsely chop the onion and add it to the heated oil; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef, gently breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for roughly 5 to 6 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 4 minutes.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
