Description
American Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot dish featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a easy weeknight dinner, this classic American recipe combines savory and tangy flavors in a satisfying pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 2 cans Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 2 cans Tomato Sauce (15 oz each)
- 3 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt
Pasta
- 1 box Elbow Macaroni (12 ounces)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook 2 pounds of ground beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add one diced yellow onion and three minced garlic cloves to the pan with the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in two cans of diced tomatoes, two cans of tomato sauce, and 3 cups of water. Mix in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 2 teaspoons seasoned salt. Combine thoroughly to ensure all flavors meld.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Pour in one box (12 ounces) of elbow macaroni and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Serve Warm: Remove the stew from heat once the pasta is cooked through. Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.
Notes
- Drain the grease after browning the beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Use a large enough pot to allow the pasta to cook evenly without sticking together.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add black pepper or extra Italian herbs if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: American Goulash, ground beef recipe, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian seasoning, elbow macaroni
