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Old Fashioned Goulash

Old Fashioned Goulash
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Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic American comfort food that combines lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty, one-pot meal delivers warm, familiar flavors with simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It offers a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, with versatile options to customize according to your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned evenly. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni directly into the simmering beef and tomato mixture. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Final Taste and Texture Adjustments: Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. For a creamier texture, stir in shredded cheese or a splash of milk before removing from heat.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease that can weigh down the dish.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to deepen the flavors.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the tomato sauce tastes too acidic or tart.
  • Old Fashioned Goulash freezes and reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, comfort food, beef goulash, one-pot meal, classic American recipe, hearty pasta dish

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/old-fashioned-goulash/