Easy One-Pot American Goulash - Ultimate Comfort Food

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.

Start with prep: grate 2 carrots and chop 2 celery stalks.

Chop 1 medium yellow onion and 3 garlic cloves finely.

Set a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.

Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks for about a minute.

Add the prepped veggies: grated carrots, chopped onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic.

Sauté for another 5 minutes until the veggies are softened, stirring occasionally.

Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar.

Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups of chicken stock, and 1 cup of water to the pot.

Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir in 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.

Cover and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Check the pasta towards the end of cooking and add more hot water if needed to keep it moist.

Finish by adding 1/4 cup of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: