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Easy American Goulash! Comfort Food Classic

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Video-Specific Recipe

American Goulash

Cultural Context

American Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish that originated in the United States, often made with ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. It is a popular choice for family dinners due to its simplicity and heartiness. The dish is sometimes confused with traditional Hungarian goulash, but it is distinctly American in its ingredients and preparation. It is commonly served as a quick meal on busy weeknights and is loved for its ability to feed a crowd affordably.

AmericanUSmain
45 min
easy
4 servings
Servings4
2 tsp olive oil
½ cup diced onions (green and white)
1 bell pepper, diced (green is traditional, I used red)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1½ cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp seasoned salt
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1½ cups dry small pasta (elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small pasta works!)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a kick
Cheddar cheese for topping

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat elbow macaroni

💰Cheaper: any pasta

Whole wheat pasta is more nutritious, while any pasta can be a budget-friendly option.

1

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2

Add diced onions and bell pepper; sauté until tender.

3

Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

4

Return to heat and stir in garlic; cook for 30 seconds.

5

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.

6

Stir well and bring to a boil.

7

Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.

8

Add pasta, stir, and simmer for another 20 minutes until pasta is cooked.

9

Remove bay leaf and stir in cheddar cheese (or sprinkle on top when serving).

Cooking Techniques

browningsautéingsimmering

Equipment Needed

large pot

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Also Known As

American Chop SueyGoulash

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