Cozy American Goulash is the quintessential comfort food, offering a warm hug in a bowl on chilly evenings. This beloved dish hails from the heart of American kitchens, combining ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce into a hearty meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning for goulash
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth or water
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for topping
Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef or ground turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings evenly coat the meat and vegetables.
Pour in the beef broth or water, and add the elbow macaroni. Stir until the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover, letting it simmer until the pasta is cooked.
