Simple American Goulash

A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 10

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 lbs. ground beef, lean
  • 3 tsp garlic, minced
  • 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tsp seasoned salt
  • 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 3 bay leaves

Goulash Base

Tools and Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup, diced onion Use white or yellow onion.
1, diced green bell pepper Other colored peppers can be used.
2 lbs, lean ground beef ground turkey
3 tsp, minced garlic
2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 cups, uncooked macaroni noodles Other small pasta can be substituted.
1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
3 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, and ground beef until beef is no longer pink. (Tips: Use lean ground beef to minimize fat. Drain excess fat after cooking.)
  2. Step 2: Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (Tips: Stir frequently to prevent burning.)
  3. Step 3: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and macaroni noodles. Stir and bring mixture to a boil. (Tips: Reduce heat if mixture boils too vigorously.)
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to a light boil and stir occasionally until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes. (Tips: Taste-test pasta at 15 minutes if you prefer it al dente.)
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves and stir in cheddar cheese just before serving. (Tips: Ensure cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed.)

Additional Information

Notes: This goulash is perfect for potlucks and can be adapted with additional vegetables or by using ground turkey for a leaner version.

Tags

American Comfort Food One-Pan