Description
This Best Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting classic American dish featuring ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and spices, combined with tender elbow macaroni and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s rich in taste and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the goulash. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove from heat and serve the goulash hot for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added vegetables, try incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Use lean ground turkey as a lower-fat alternative to ground beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- To make gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
