Description

A comforting, one-pot meal filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic American goulash is simple, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Goulash:

2 lbs ground beef or turkey – Adds hearty protein.
3 teaspoons minced garlic – For a savory, aromatic base.
1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
2 ½ cups water – Helps cook the pasta and create a saucy consistency.
½ cup beef broth – Enhances the richness of the flavor.
⅓ cup olive oil – Adds a touch of richness and prevents sticking.
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce – Provides a robust tomato base.
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds texture and tang.
3 tablespoons soy sauce – Boosts umami and enhances flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – Brings a hint of herby goodness.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste).
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked – Classic pasta choice for goulash.

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – Stir in before serving for a creamy twist.
½ cup bell peppers, diced – Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Red pepper flakes – For a bit of heat.

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Meat:

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

2️⃣ Build the Sauce:

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, beef broth, and olive oil.

Add the soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Add the elbow macaroni directly to the pot.

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid. The goulash should be thick and saucy.

4️⃣ Taste and Adjust:

Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

5️⃣ Serve:

Serve the goulash hot in bowls.

Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a little heavy cream or cheese at the end.
Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins