Easy Goulash (American Style) Recipe

Introduction

Easy Goulash is a comforting American-style one-pot meal combining ground beef, tomatoes, and tender pasta in a flavorful sauce. This hearty dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• ¾ pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork, veal, or bison)
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a sweeter sauce)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup dry elbow macaroni (or any short tubular pasta)
• ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion together over medium heat until the onion softens and the beef is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain any excess grease from the pot.
3. Step 3: Add beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Stir in dry elbow macaroni, cover, and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: If using cheese, add shredded cheddar on top. For a melted and slightly browned finish, place the Dutch oven in a preheated oven briefly.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance acidity and give a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• For extra vegetables, stir in diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions.
• Top with shredded cheese for added richness or omit for a dairy-free dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, veal, or bison as alternatives. Each option will slightly change the flavor but works well.

What pasta works best for goulash?

Elbow macaroni is traditional and works well, but any short, tubular pasta like penne or small shells will hold the sauce nicely.