Classic Goulash Recipe

Classic Goulash, often referred to as American Goulash, is a comforting one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and typically consists of ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It’s different from the Hungarian Goulash, which is a rich stew made with chunks of meat, potatoes, and paprika. Here’s a basic recipe for Classic American Goulash:

Classic American Goulash

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, if using, until melted and combined. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Classic American Goulash!