homemade American goulash

Here’s a classic homemade American goulash recipe—easy, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, American goulash is a tomato-based pasta and beef dish.

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Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano)

• 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the beef:

   • In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté aromatics:

   • Add onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened, 3–4 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes & seasoning:

   • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

4. Cook the pasta:

   • Add uncooked elbow macaroni and 2 cups water (or beef broth for extra flavor). Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finish & serve:

   • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, cover for a few minutes to melt. Serve hot.

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💡 Tips:

• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• Use a mix of cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) for a creamier texture.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

If you want, I can also give a one-pot version that’s even faster and doesn’t require draining beef or cooking pasta separately—perfect for busy nights.

Do you want me to do that?