Easy American Goulash
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
4 5 servings
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Calories
502 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy American Goulash
Description
The Easy American Goulash starts by sautéing diced onion until translucent, followed by browning ground beef. Garlic and tomato paste are then added with seasonings including salt, oregano, basil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, layering robust flavor. Crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves contribute moisture and depth as the mix simmers to develop a rich sauce.
After removing bay leaves, uncooked elbow macaroni is stirred in and cooked covered until al dente, absorbing the savory liquid. Once the pasta is tender, sharp cheddar cheese is stirred in off-heat and allowed to melt under the lid, creating a gooey finish that coats the pasta and meat mixture. The final dish is hearty, with a balance of meats, tomato acidity, and cheesy creaminess.
This goulash works well as a standalone main dish, providing comfort and ease for weeknight dinners. It serves about five people and pairs well with simple sides or a green salad. Using 85% lean beef helps manage fat content, and diced tomatoes can be an alternative to crushed for variation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion diced, large
- 1 pound ground beef *
- 4 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste 60 g
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 crushed tomatoes 28-ounce can
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaf
- 6 ounces elbow macaroni about 1 ½ cups
- 1 cup cheddar cheese preferably sharp, shredded, 4 ounces
Instructions
- In a large pot with a lid, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until the edges begin to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking the meat into crumbles as you go, until meat is browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds before adding tomato paste, salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the meat is well-coated and you can really begin to smell the garlic and spices, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves, stir in the macaroni, and cover. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and add cheese. Replace lid and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for best texture and flavor balance.
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted for crushed tomatoes if preferred.
- Recipe yields approximately five servings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 45 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 502 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 502kcal | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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