Are you tired of complicated recipes that take hours to prepare? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that will transform your weeknight dinner routine! Our Quick and Easy American Goulash is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a hearty, delicious one-pan meal that will have your family begging for seconds. No complicated techniques, no endless ingredient list - just pure, satisfying goodness that comes together faster than you can order takeout!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened.
- After the macaroni is cooked, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a little more beef broth or water.
- Once everything is cooked and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the American goulash hot, garnished with grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your quick and easy one-pan meal!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy dish.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day!
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Ensure your macaroni is fully cooked but not mushy - check for al dente texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 937kcal
Carbohydrates: 128g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
