Here’s a comforting, one-pot recipe for Tasty Goulash — an easy, American-style version of the Hungarian classic. This dish combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings for a hearty and nostalgic meal that’s ready in under an hour.
🍲 Tasty American Goulash
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
🕒 Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍴 One-Pot Meal!
🧾 Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
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1 large onion, diced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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2 cups water
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, adds depth)
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1½ tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Brown the Beef
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Add onion and garlic, cook until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
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Drain excess grease if needed.
🔹 Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
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Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and spices (Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper).
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Bring to a simmer and let cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes to deepen flavor.
🔹 Step 3: Add Pasta
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Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and water. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
✅ If the mixture gets too thick, add a bit more water or broth as needed.
🔹 Step 4: Finish and Serve
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Once pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in cheese if using.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
🧀 Optional Additions
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Stir in sour cream for a creamy twist
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Add green peppers or mushrooms for more veggies
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Use rotini or shells instead of elbow macaroni
🥗 What to Serve With:
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Garlic bread
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Side salad
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Steamed green beans or peas