American Goulash (Beefaroni)
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
400 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
American Goulash (Beefaroni)
Description
American Goulash begins with sautéing diced onions and garlic in olive oil, then browning lean ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. A blend of dried herbs and spices including parsley, basil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, chili powder, and red pepper flakes adds aromatic warmth. Tomato paste and sauce combine with sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to build a rich, tangy base.
Uncooked elbow noodles are stirred in to cook slowly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and thickening the dish. Once the pasta is tender, freshly grated cheddar cheese is folded in, melting smoothly throughout for a creamy, tangy finish. The result is a balanced, savory casserole-style dish with hearty tender beef, soft pasta, and a robust tomatoey sauce.
This recipe adapts well to different cooking methods including stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, each producing a similarly satisfying meal. The dish can be frozen and reheated, with added broth if needed to restore creaminess. It’s a practical, filling dinner that combines simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion , finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 lb ground beef lean, or turkey
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon parsley dried
- 2 teaspoons basil dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder each
- 1 teaspoon paprika each
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano each
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder each
- pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth divided, low-sodium
- 1 ½ cups elbow noodles (8 oz) , uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté onions and cook beef: Heat a large skillet with sides, over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add onion and saute for several minutes into tender and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Push onion to the side and add ground beef and season well with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling it into very small pieces as it cooks. Add all dry spices and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire and 1 ½ cups beef broth. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Taste and add additional seasonings, if needed.
- Add pasta: Stir in additional 3/4 cup broth and uncooked pasta. Cook until pasta is tender. Stir in freshly grated cheese and allow to melt. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Freeze leftovers in containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For reheating, add a splash of broth if dish is too thick and warm gently until heated through.
- Instant Pot instructions involve cooking meat and onions on sauté, then pressure cooking with noodles and sauce.
- Crock Pot option includes cooking beef and onions first, then combining with sauce and broth, cooking noodles separately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 400 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 400kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1130mg | 47% |
| Potassium | 1010mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 942IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 199mg | 20% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.