Hearty American Goulash

Hearty American Goulash

Ingredients**

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions**

1. Brown the Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Drain excess fat if needed.

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• Add chopped onion and bell pepper.
• Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

1. Add Tomato Base:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
• Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar (if using), and bay leaf.
• Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.

1. Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes uncovered.

1. Cook the Macaroni:

• Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Cover and simmer for another 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

1. Cheesy Option (Optional):

• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish, or top each bowl before serving.

1. Taste and Adjust:

• Remove bay leaf.
• Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar if needed.

Storage & Reheating**

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Tips & Variations**

• Add corn, peas, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
• Make it spicy with hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
• Stir in a spoon of sour cream when serving for creaminess.

History & Origin**

American Goulash is a comfort dish that evolved from Hungarian gulyás but took on a life of its own in U.S. kitchens. Instead of chunks of stewed meat and potatoes, it uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce — perfect for busy families and potlucks. It became especially popular in the Midwest and the South in the 1950s–70s.

Benefits**

• One-pot meal = easy cleanup
• Great source of protein, fiber, and iron
• Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly

Loved By**

This dish is adored by:

• Busy parents
• Meal preppers
• Comfort food lovers
• Anyone who grew up with grandma’s goulash!

Conclusion**

This big bowl of American Goulash brings warmth, nostalgia, and full bellies. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a family gathering — it’s always a hit