Description
American Goulash is a classic, comforting one-pot meal that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, home-cooked dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked (measured before cooking)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender, then drain off any excess grease.
Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce into the saucepan. Stir the mixture to combine.
Season the sauce with sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
Serve the goulash hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For extra flavor and texture, you can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce while it simmers. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the dish with a richer, nuttier flavor. This goulash stores well in the refrigerator for several days and makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time.