This comforting and hearty American Goulash is a family-friendly dish that combines tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s a one-pot wonder packed with flavor, making it an easy and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch!

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion , diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta , cooked (measured before cooking)
• Grated Parmesan cheese , for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add the ground beef . Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
• Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

• Add the crushed tomatoes , tomato sauce , sugar , Italian seasoning , salt , and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Incorporate the Pasta

• Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Let the goulash simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

• Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt , pepper , or Italian seasoning if needed.
• Remove from heat and serve hot, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese .

Tips for Success

• Pasta Tip: Cook the elbow macaroni al dente, as it will continue to absorb some of the sauce in the skillet. If you prefer softer pasta, add a splash of water or broth when combining the pasta with the sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the skillet while sautéing the onions.
• Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This American Goulash is a comforting blend of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender macaroni pasta. The addition of Italian seasoning and a touch of sugar creates a rich, balanced flavor that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. With its simple preparation and cozy appeal, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Savor this classic comfort food—it’s a hug in a bowl!