Description
This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that can be customized with optional bell peppers, cheese topping, and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and optional bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir well to combine. Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Add Cheese (Optional): For a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the goulash hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Bell pepper is optional but adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more Worcestershire sauce or Italian seasoning as preferred.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor or to make it suitable for pescatarians.
- Cheese is optional, but it adds a delicious creamy element when melted on top.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
