Description
This Best Goulash recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. A comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- Final touch: Once the pasta is cooked, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
- Serve: Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onion and garlic.
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta types, such as penne or rotini.
- For a richer flavor, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or a combination of meats instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg