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Nostalgic American Goulash Recipe

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4 from 21 reviews

This one-pot Nostalgic American Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings, this classic recipe combines simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of nostalgic flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 15-oz can petite diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and sauté vegetables and beef. Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
  2. Add garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add liquids and seasonings; simmer. Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Cook macaroni noodles. Increase heat to medium-high and add the uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Remove bay leaves and add cheese. Take out the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Serve. Serve the goulash warm, optionally garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • The consistency of the dish should be hearty and slightly saucy—not too thick like a casserole nor too runny like a soup. The cheese helps thicken the sauce.
  • If the sauce appears dry, add up to ¼ cup of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/nostalgic-american-goulash-recipe/