The Best Goulash Recipe
A hearty and comforting classic American goulash made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni simmered together in a flavorful sauce seasoned with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. This easy one-pot meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing a fragrant base for the sauce.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
Stir in the elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth or water as needed.
Once the pasta is cooked through, taste the goulash and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt for a creamy finish.
Serve the goulash hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness if desired.
