Old-Fashioned Goulash

Here’s a classic Old-Fashioned Goulash (often called American goulash) — hearty, simple, and perfect for weeknights.

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🥘 Old-Fashioned Goulash

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional but traditional)

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

• 1½ cups beef broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Add aromatics
   Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Build the sauce
   Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

4. Add macaroni
   Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Add a splash more broth if it gets too thick.

6. Finish with cheese (optional)
   Stir in cheddar until melted or sprinkle on top, cover, and let melt before serving.

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🍽️ Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Want it creamier? Stir in ¼ cup sour cream at the end.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

If you’d like, I can also share a traditional Hungarian-style goulash version (which is quite different!).