Introduction
American Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that has become a staple in many households across the United States. This one-pot meal is a delicious combination of pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings. Its origins can be traced back to Hungarian goulash, but the American version has evolved to suit the tastes and preferences of the American palate. American Goulash is known for its rich flavors, easy preparation, and ability to feed a crowd, making it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
One of the defining features of American Goulash is its versatility. While the basic recipe typically includes ground beef, macaroni pasta, tomatoes, and onions, there are countless variations and adaptations that home cooks can explore. Whether you prefer to add vegetables, cheese, or different herbs and spices, American Goulash can easily be customized to suit your personal taste preferences.
In this article, we will explore the key ingredients needed to make a classic American Goulash, the step-by-step instructions for preparing this dish, some popular variations to try, helpful tips for perfecting your goulash, and a conclusion highlighting the appeal of this beloved comfort food.
Ingredients
To make a delicious batch of American Goulash, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 pound lean ground beef
2. 1 large onion, chopped
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 ½ cups water
5. 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
6. 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
7. 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
8. 2 teaspoons paprika
9. 1 teaspoon salt
10. 1 teaspoon pepper
11. 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
These simple and readily available ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare a delicious batch of American Goulash:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Stir in the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Once the macaroni is tender, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite side dish or a fresh salad.
Variations
While the classic American Goulash recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to add a unique twist to this comforting dish:
1. Cheesy Goulash: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy and indulgent twist.
2. Veggie-Packed Goulash: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.
3. Spicy Goulash: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash.
4. Mushroom Goulash: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for a rich and earthy flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create a version of American Goulash that suits your taste preferences.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when making American Goulash:
1. Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
2. For extra flavor, you can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the goulash.
3. Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
4. Serve the goulash with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
American Goulash is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, this one-pot wonder is sure to please your taste buds and warm your soul. With its easy preparation, versatility, and crowd-pleasing appeal, American Goulash has earned its place as a beloved comfort food in American cuisine.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in American Goulash?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner protein option. Just be mindful of the cooking time as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.
Q: Can I make American Goulash in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt the recipe to cook in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the pasta is tender.
Q: Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian Goulash?
A: While both dishes share some similarities, American Goulash typically includes pasta and ground beef, whereas Hungarian Goulash is a stew-like dish made with beef, onions, and paprika, served over noodles or potatoes.
American Goulash
American Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings. This classic dish is known for its rich flavors, easy preparation, and versatility.
Ingredients
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 ½ cups water
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1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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2 teaspoons paprika
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon pepper
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2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Directions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
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Stir in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stir to combine. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until macaroni is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
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Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
