Easy American Goulash
introduction
Easy American Goulash is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This one-pot dish is a combination of ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s simple to make, and it’s typically ready in just about thirty minutes, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
why make this recipe
Making Easy American Goulash is perfect for several reasons. First, it is a quick and affordable meal that can feed a crowd. The ingredients are usually pantry staples, which means you might not even need to run to the store. This dish is also very versatile; you can add or change ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking for an easy meal, Easy American Goulash answers the call.
how to make Easy American Goulash
Making Easy American Goulash is straightforward and requires only a few steps. You don’t need fancy cooking skills; just follow the instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions :
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to break it into smaller pieces. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat.Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook them together until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 3-5 minutes.Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the macaroni is coated with sauce and liquid.Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the macaroni cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.Serve
After 15-20 minutes, check if the macaroni is cooked. If it’s tender, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top before serving.
how to serve Easy American Goulash
Easy American Goulash can be served right from the pot. Serve it in bowls, and if you like, add more cheese on top for an extra cheesy experience. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the heaviness of the goulash. It’s a filling meal on its own but can also be complemented with a light dessert like fruit or a smooth pudding afterward.
how to store Easy American Goulash
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store Easy American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of beef broth to add moisture, as the macaroni can absorb the sauce as it sits. You can also freeze the goulash for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Easy American Goulash
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef so the dish doesn’t end up greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your goulash before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you prefer, you can cook the elbow macaroni separately and add it to the sauce afterward to control the texture better.
- Garnish Smartly: Consider garnishing your goulash with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
variation (if any)
Easy American Goulash is very adaptable! Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Cheesy Italian Goulash: Add mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist, giving it a gooey texture.
- Spicy Goulash: Add jalapeños or use spicy sausage for a kick. This adds depth and a bit of heat to the dish.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- One-Pot Goulash: Cook everything in one pot for easier clean-up. You can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker for this method.
FAQs
1. Can I make Easy American Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Easy American Goulash ahead of time. Cook it completely and then store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I change the pasta type?
Absolutely! You can use different pasta shapes, such as rotini or penne, depending on your preference or what you have available. Just ensure the cooking time is appropriate for the pasta you choose.
3. Is it possible to make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Easy American Goulash in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and cook the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. Just remember to add the cheese before serving!
Easy American Goulash is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. From its rich flavors to its simplicity, this dish stands as a staple in homes across America. Whether it’s a quiet family night or a get-together with friends, Easy American Goulash is the type of recipe that will leave lasting memories. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy American Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food one-pot dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break it into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the macaroni.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check if the macaroni is tender. If so, remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top if desired before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute lean ground beef or use ground turkey. Add extra vegetables for nutrition or adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: goulash, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy recipe, ground beef