Thick American Goulash With Ground Beef and Macaroni

Description

Thick American Goulash is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for an easy family dinner.

 Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 30 minutes
• Total: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

 Ingredients

• 1½ lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• Fresh parsley for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add onion and garlic:
   Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add tomato ingredients:
   Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add broth:
   Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
5. Cook the macaroni:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked macaroni, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
6. Make it thick:
   Continue cooking uncovered for a few minutes if needed until the goulash reaches your preferred thick consistency.
7. Add cheese:
   Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired and allow it to melt.
8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

 Healthy Benefits

• Ground beef: Provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
• Tomatoes: Provide vitamin C and antioxidant compounds such as lycopene.
• Onion and garlic: Add flavor along with beneficial plant compounds.
• Macaroni: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach can increase the fiber and nutrient content.

 Pro Tip

For the thickest goulash, simmer it uncovered toward the end and avoid adding too much broth at once. Stir occasionally so the macaroni cooks evenly.

 Frequency

Enjoy as an easy weeknight dinner once a week or as desired, especially when you want a filling one-pot meal.

 Q/A

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating if it becomes too thick.

Q: Can I freeze goulash?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled goulash in airtight containers for up to about 2–3 months. The pasta may become slightly softer after thawing.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or spinach are delicious additions.

 Serve With

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Pickles or cucumber salad

 Variations

• Cheesy Goulash: Add extra cheddar or mozzarella.
• Spicy Goulash: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
• Vegetable Goulash: Add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Turkey Goulash: Replace ground beef with ground turkey.
• Creamy Goulash: Stir in a small amount of cream cheese at the end.

 Related Recipe Ideas

• Cheesy Beef and Shells
• Classic Beef & Macaroni Skillet
• One-Pot Taco Pasta
• Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
• Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Bake

 Final Thought

This Thick American Goulash is the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal that brings together simple ingredients in one pot. It’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding the whole family.