Description
This American Goulash is the ultimate one-pot comfort dish, combining tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce all simmered together for maximum flavor. It’s quick, hearty, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and make-ahead meals. A nostalgic classic that’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds ground beef (85/15)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
2 cups tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Grated parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
4. Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf.
5. Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add elbow macaroni. Stir well to distribute evenly.
7. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
9. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley or grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cook the pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness as it sits.
If using ground turkey instead of beef, add a splash of olive oil during browning for moisture.
For best texture when reheating, add a splash of broth or water and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: one-pot pasta, comfort food, beef macaroni