Classic American Goulash Recipe: Hearty Ground Beef and Pasta in Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
Cozy, hearty, and full of flavor, this Classic American Goulash combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce to create the ultimate one-pot comfort food perfect for a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef base or bouillon
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Add 2 pounds of ground beef to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned for about 7-8 minutes. Remove the beef and drain excess grease, leaving 1-2 tablespoons in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add 3 cups water, 1 tablespoon beef base, 2 cans tomato sauce, 2 cans diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, cover the pot, and continue simmering on low for 15-20 minutes or until noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and garnish: Just before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Leftovers Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a labeled, airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: From the fridge, warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.