Ah, American Goulash—the very name stirs up a whirl of nostalgia. Picture this:
a cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and spices weaving through the air, and a pot bubbling away with ground beef and tender pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Funny thing, I remember the first time I tried making it; I was convinced I’d mess it up. But surprise, surprise—it turned out to be one of those dishes that just works, even if you take a few wrong turns along the way.
It’s straightforward, comforting, and somehow, it brings people together. And did I mention it’s ridiculously simple?
Like, you could almost make it with your eyes closed—well, maybe not, but close enough. So, grab a spoon and dive into this easy American Goulash recipe that’s bound to become a favorite for its simplicity and heartwarming flavors.
Steps
- Gather all necessary ingredients to begin the cooking process.
- In a pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and stirring until the beef browns and the onion becomes translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Keep cooking and stirring for another 3 to 5 minutes until the liquid evaporates, then add the garlic, bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Stir the mixture occasionally for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Add the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Rinse the sauce jar with water and add that to the pot as well. Mix in the soy sauce, bring everything to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium and continue simmering for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Increase the heat to medium-high to achieve a rapid simmer. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring every so often, until the pasta is almost tender, which should take approximately 12 minutes. Begin checking the pasta for doneness at the 10-minute mark.
- Take the pot off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 large bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika
- 2 teaspoons of Italian herbs
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- A pinch of cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 quart of chicken broth or water
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 cup of grated white Cheddar cheese (Optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3636 | Total Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 840mg | Sodium: 12780mg | Total Carbohydrate: 180g | Dietary Fiber: 36g | Total Sugars: 60g | Protein: 288g | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 816mg | Iron: 48mg | Potassium: 7920mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute Hungarian paprika with another type of paprika?
- Yes, if Hungarian paprika is unavailable, you can use sweet Spanish paprika as an alternative.
- Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this goulash?
- Absolutely, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian version.
- How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
- To modify the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
- What can I add to this recipe to make it more filling?
- Adding beans can turn this goulash into a heartier dish, similar to pasta fazool.
- How do I know when the macaroni is cooked perfectly?
- The macaroni should be just barely tender. Start checking for doneness after 10 minutes of cooking to ensure the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider making your own Italian herb mix using a combination of oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, and basil.
- If you can’t find Hungarian paprika, sweet Spanish paprika is a suitable substitute.
- To add more heartiness to the dish, consider incorporating beans, transforming it into a delicious pasta fazool.
- When cooking the macaroni, start checking for doneness after 10 minutes to ensure it is just barely tender before proceeding.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – Essential for browning the beef and cooking the goulash.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Useful for stirring the ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – For dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Cutting Board – For preparing the vegetables and herbs.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – To accurately measure the spices, oil, and liquids.
