Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Old-Fashioned Goulash, a hearty one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a rich, flavorful sauce. This classic American goulash is an easy, budget-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning (or mix of garlic powder, oregano, and cumin)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables – If needed, add olive oil to the pan. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients – Return the browned meat to the pan. Stir in water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Season the Mixture – Add Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer – Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta – Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce. Stir well and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese – Remove bay leaves and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add Mozzarella Topping – Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top before serving, allowing it to melt.
- Serve – Enjoy warm with an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Cheese Variety: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
