American goulash

Ah, American Goulash — a classic, comforting, one-pot dish made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for family dinners. Here’s a reliable recipe:

American Goulash (Serves ~6)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef:
   • In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until fully cooked.
   • Drain excess fat.
2. Add garlic and seasonings:
   • Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and pasta:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Bring to a boil, then stir in uncooked pasta.
4. Simmer:
   • Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add cheese (optional):
   • Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for a few minutes until melted.
6. Serve:
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple salad.

💡 Tips for Classic American Goulash:

• Use day-old pasta or pre-cooked pasta for faster cooking, adjusting liquid as needed.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors meld.

I can also give a slow-cooker version of American Goulash that cooks low and slow for tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta.

Do you want me to provide that version?