American Goulash
Pure comfort food! This easy, one pot American Goulash is made with simple ingredients: ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich, savory tomato sauce. A nostalgic family favorite that's ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked (cooked according to package directions)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: While pasta cooks, heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Build Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Season: Add sugar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the cooked and drained macaroni.
- Final Simmer: Let simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Serve hot, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Sugar: The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes; don't skip it!
- Make it Your Own: See blog post for easy substitutions like ground turkey, Italian sausage, or adding veggies like green peppers or mushrooms.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian: Use a plant based meat alternative or add a can of lentils.