Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot dish featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this classic recipe combines savory flavors and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors together and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, cover it with a lid, and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender to your preference.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and integrates smoothly into the goulash, creating a creamy texture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the goulash rest for a few minutes to thicken up before serving. Enjoy your classic, comforting goulash!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth if available.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the simmering step.
- Leftover goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Cheddar cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
