🍲 Old-Fashioned American Goulash
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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2 lbs ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
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3 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics
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In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and garlic, cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce
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Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper).
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Pour in the beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
3. Add Pasta
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Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.
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Stir and cover. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick.
💡 If it gets too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water.
4. Optional: Add Cheese
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Stir in some shredded cheddar or sprinkle it on top and let it melt before serving.
🧀 Serving Suggestions
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Top with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
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Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
📌 Tips
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Make-ahead friendly: tastes even better the next day.
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Want more veggies? Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onion.
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Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Would you like a Hungarian-style goulash recipe too (with beef chunks and paprika)?