American goulash

Here’s a classic American Goulash recipe — hearty, comforting, and easy to make!

⭐ Classic American Goulash

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | 🍲 Cook Time: 35 min | 🍽️ Servings: 6-8

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 3 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

2. Brown the beef:

   • Add ground beef to the pot.

   • Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned (no longer pink). Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add sauces and seasoning:

   • Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Add liquids and pasta:

   • Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.

   • Stir in the elbow macaroni.

5. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Optional cheesy finish:

   • Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, or sprinkle on top when serving.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or a little more cheese if desired.

🍽️ Tips & Variations:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

• Like it spicy? Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.