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My mom passed down this goulash recipe years ago and it still fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Between running my food blog and testing countless recipes I keep coming back to this simple yet delicious comfort meal. The combination of tender macaroni and savory ground beef wrapped in a rich tomato sauce creates pure magic in every bite.
A Bowl Full of Memories
Every time I make this American goulash I think of Sunday dinners at my grandma's house. The pasta soaking up all those delicious flavors takes me right back to her cozy kitchen. Now my own family gathers around this hearty meal and even my pickiest eater asks for seconds.
What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- Onion: I grab whatever I have white or yellow both work beautifully.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds such a fresh pop but red peppers taste amazing too.
- Ground Beef: The star that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves make all the difference.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates that wonderful saucy base we all love.
- Diced Tomatoes: I love using petite diced for perfect little bites.
- Beef Broth: Gives everything such a rich flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: My secret ingredient for incredible depth.
- Seasoned Salt: Brings all the flavors together.
- Italian Seasoning: My favorite herb blend for this dish.
- Bay Leaves: Trust me they make a difference.
- Dry Macaroni Noodles: Any small pasta works great.
- Cheddar Cheese: Makes everything better and creamier.
Let's Cook Together
- First Up: The Base
- Grab your biggest pot and cook that ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until everything looks gorgeous. Drain the extra fat then toss in the garlic until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Time for the Sauce
- Pour in your tomato sauce diced tomatoes beef broth and that wonderful Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir.
- Making Magic
- Sprinkle in the seasonings and drop those bay leaves in. Add your macaroni and let it all simmer together. The pasta soaks up all those incredible flavors as it cooks.
- The Final Touch
- Fish out those bay leaves and stir in that beautiful cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into pure comfort food perfection.
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Kitchen Secrets You Should Know
My years of cooking taught me some tricks for this recipe. My biggest pot always comes out for this one since it makes enough for wonderful leftovers. Sometimes I use shells instead of macaroni because that's what's in my pantry. Turkey works beautifully when I want something lighter and I often sneak in extra veggies from my crisper drawer. A dollop of sour cream makes it ultra creamy and my kids love it that way. When the sauce looks too thick I splash in more broth until it's just perfect.
What Makes This Recipe Special
After sharing countless recipes on my blog this goulash remains a constant favorite. The way the pasta soaks up that rich sauce and how the beef adds such wonderful heartiness makes it impossible not to love. I make this when friends come over or when my family needs something warm and filling after a long day. The best part? It always brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Make It Your Own
- Garden Fresh: Sometimes I empty my produce drawer and toss in carrots peas or whatever looks good.
- Cheese Love: My daughter loves when I mix in mozzarella with the cheddar it gets so stretchy.
- Spice it Up: My husband adds hot sauce to his bowl while I prefer red pepper flakes.
- Saucy Version: Adding extra broth makes it perfect for dunking crusty bread.
- Plant Based: My vegetarian friend uses lentils instead of meat and it tastes amazing.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats serving this goulash with thick slices of buttery garlic bread fresh from my oven. When I have time I whip up a simple green salad with cucumbers and tomatoes from my garden. My family loves gathering around the table with tall glasses of sweet tea while the pasta steams on their plates.
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Making The Most of Leftovers
The flavors in this goulash get even better overnight. I store portions in my favorite glass containers and they stay perfect in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. Sometimes I portion it into freezer containers for busy nights when cooking isn't possible. A splash of broth while reheating brings it right back to life. The pasta soaks up more sauce as it sits so I always add a little extra liquid when warming it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, store in fridge up to 3 days. Add splash of broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid.
- → Can I freeze goulash?
- Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently, adding liquid if needed.
- → What can I substitute for beef?
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- → Why use petite diced tomatoes?
- Regular diced tomatoes work but petite blend better into sauce. Crushed tomatoes are good too.
- → Can I use different pasta?
- Any small pasta works. Adjust cook time based on package instructions.
Conclusion
A quick one-pot meal that combines ground beef, macaroni and tomatoes in a rich sauce. This American-style goulash comes together in just 35 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.