Goulash

Goulash, the one-pot wonder that has been a favorite across generations, known for being warm, hearty, and filling—basically everything you need when you want to wrap up a long day with a comforting feel-good meal.

One of the best parts of making goulash is that it all comes together in just one pot. That means less cleanup, more cozy vibes, and a lot of flavor as everything simmers and blends perfectly together. Goulash is one of those dishes where the longer the ingredients mingle, the better they taste. By the time you’re done, you’ve got a perfectly seasoned, saucy bowl of goodness with tender pasta and rich, savory beef. 

What makes this goulash extra special? The simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. Your classic trio of garlic, onion, and bell pepper brings that foundational flavor boost. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, which bring richness and a subtle tang that balances the beefy base.

Then, there’s the secret ingredient: Worcestershire sauce. This stuff is magical—it adds that deep umami kick, making everything taste a little richer. Throw in some Italian seasoning and paprika, and you’ve got a dish that feels like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it’s ready in 30 minutes.

Speaking of comfort, what’s more comforting than pasta? The elbow macaroni in this goulash absorbs all that tomatoey, beefy broth, becoming plump and tender. Each bite has the perfect mix of flavors, making it hard to stop at just one bowl.

And let’s not forget about the cheese! If you're a cheese lover, topping your goulash with shredded cheddar before serving adds an indulgent, melty layer. It’s not necessary, but it's highly recommended.

While goulash is more than enough on its own, if you really want to make dinner feel like an event, serve it with some garlic bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce. Or go with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Either way, you’ve got a meal that will satisfy just about everyone at the table.

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dinner

American

Yield: 6-8

Author: Erika Barnett

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Goulash

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

This goulash is a hearty, one-pot dish packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. The flavors of garlic, onion, bell pepper, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that's quick to make and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Sauté until the onions are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. If you like, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash and cover the pot for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

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