Description
This Easy Goulash Recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, tender macaroni noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic seasonings. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this classic American goulash offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs. ground beef (lean)
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Pasta
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and lean ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add garlic: Return the pot to the stove on medium heat and add minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids, seasonings, and pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in seasoned salt and Italian seasoning. Add the bay leaves and uncooked macaroni noodles. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a light boil or simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the macaroni noodles are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves carefully. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious goulash!
Notes
- Drain the excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Feel free to use sharp or mild cheddar cheese based on your preference.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if preferred, but this will slightly change the flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
