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American goulash

American Goulash

Enjoy this hearty American goulash, a comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, topped with optional melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 2 pounds ground beef
  • - 1 large onion diced
  • - 4 cloves garlic minced
  • - 2 large bay leaves
  • - 2 tablespoons paprika
  • - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • - 1 pinch cayenne pepper or to taste
  • - 1 quart chicken broth
  • - 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • - 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • - 1 cup water
  • - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • - 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • - ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
  • - 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese Optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook and stir until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking and stirring until any liquid is evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic, bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Swirl water in the marinara sauce jar, then pour into the pot. Stir in soy sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes until flavors intensify.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer. Stir in macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, about 12 minutes (check for doneness after 10 minutes).
  • Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and stir in chopped parsley and shredded Cheddar cheese (if using). Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Keyword Goulash