Ah, American Goulash—that humble, hearty dish that somehow manages to blend the essence of comfort food with the practicality of a budget-conscious meal. Picture this: a cozy evening, perhaps it’s raining outside, and you’re wrapped in your favorite throw blanket. The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and beef fills the air, drawing you into the kitchen like a magnet. It’s a dish that doesn’t need fancy introductions or extravagant ingredients; it’s the friend who shows up in jeans and a T-shirt but knows exactly how to make you feel at ease.
Speaking of ease, have you ever noticed how some of the best meals come together without a fuss? Like that time I accidentally invented a new type of sandwich because I ran out of bread—improvisation can be a culinary gift. Goulash is a bit like that, flexible and forgiving. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on when your pantry’s looking sparse or when your day’s been a whirlwind of Zoom meetings and unexpected errands.
So, if you’re craving a dish that’s as warm as a hug and as straightforward as a Monday morning (minus the chaos), this Easy American Goulash is calling your name. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat and return the pot to the stove, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Introduce the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni noodles into the pot. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and maintain a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaves and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3880 kcal | Carbohydrates: 200 g | Protein: 220 g | Fat: 240 g | Saturated Fat: 100 g | Cholesterol: 760 mg | Sodium: 9180 mg | Potassium: 4390 mg | Fiber: 20 g | Sugar: 20 g | Vitamin A: 1740 IU | Vitamin C: 120 mg | Calcium: 1340 mg | Iron: 30 mg
FAQ
- What is American Goulash?
- American Goulash is a comforting dish made with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and macaroni noodles in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a quick and affordable meal that’s great for busy weeknights and gatherings.
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni noodles?
- Yes, you can substitute macaroni noodles with any other small pasta you have available. The recipe is quite versatile in terms of pasta choice.
- How can I make the Goulash healthier?
- To make this dish leaner, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey. Additionally, you can incorporate more vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, green beans, or even baby spinach.
- Can I make the Goulash creamier?
- Absolutely! Stirring in a cup of sour cream at the end will give the dish an even creamier texture. Alternatively, adding sharp cheddar cheese also enhances the creaminess.
- Is it possible to make the Goulash more soupy?
- Yes, to achieve a more soup-like consistency, you can add extra beef broth to the mixture. Adjust the amount to reach your preferred level of soupiness.
Tips
- Use a large pot to prepare this goulash since the recipe yields a generous amount.
- You can substitute macaroni with any small pasta available, such as shells or rotini.
- For a lighter version, consider replacing ground beef with ground turkey.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating extra vegetables like corn, peas, diced carrots, or green beans, or by stirring in baby spinach at the end for added nutrition.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven (6 quarts) – Ideal for cooking the goulash due to its size and ability to evenly distribute heat.
- Wooden Spoon Set – Useful for stirring the ingredients without scratching the cookware.
- Cheese Grater – Necessary for shredding the cheddar cheese.
