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American Goulash Recipe Easy One Pot Dinner with Cheddar

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This American Goulash is a cozy, one-pot dinner featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and a cheesy cheddar finish. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups canned tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp paprika (smoky or sweet)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and pepper is softened.
  3. Sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat beef and veggies.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until combined and let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add beef broth and uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  6. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water. If pasta isn’t cooked by 18 minutes, cover and cook another 2-3 minutes, checking every minute.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to melt, then stir gently.
  8. Ladle goulash into bowls and top each serving with fresh parsley. Add extra cheddar if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For vegetarian, swap beef for meatless ground and use vegetable broth. Don’t overcook the pasta—taste at 15 minutes for best texture. Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: American goulash, one pot dinner, ground beef, cheddar cheese, comfort food, easy pasta, weeknight meal, family recipe

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