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One Pot American Goulash

One Pot American Goulash
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This One Pot American Goulash is a simple, comforting, and flavorful all-in-one meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks quickly in a single pot, minimizing cleanup while delivering a hearty and kid-friendly dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Tomatoes and Sauces

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese (Optional)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step builds the savory base for your goulash.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the elbow macaroni along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged to cook evenly.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the goulash simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick and absorbs the rich tomato flavors.
  5. Stir in Cheese and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt into the hot goulash before serving for an irresistible cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor rather than pre-minced jarred garlic.
  • Keep an eye on the pasta cooking time to avoid mushy noodles and maintain perfect texture.
  • Brown the meat well to add deeper flavor and enrich the dish.
  • Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Add cheese last to keep it smooth and melty without clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, American goulash, ground beef, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/one-pot-american-goulash/