Description
Hearty Polish-inspired Classic American Goulash delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich beef, tender pasta, and robust tomato sauce. Savory spices and simple ingredients create a nostalgic meal that connects generations around one delicious, satisfying plate you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Starches:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid:
- 2 cups water
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary journey by warming a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing ground beef and transforming it into golden, crumbly fragments through thorough browning.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Elevate the flavor profile by introducing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.
- Gently fold in uncooked macaroni and water, ensuring all components are well-integrated and submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, periodically checking to ensure the pasta reaches an ideal tender consistency.
- Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the liquid has been mostly absorbed, optionally crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt and create a luxurious finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
- Experiment with smoked paprika or add a dash of cayenne for a bold, warming kick that elevates the classic goulash profile.
- Try different cheese options like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a sharp provolone to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg