🍲 Grandma’s American Goulash
American Goulash is a classic comfort food made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. Unlike the Hungarian version, this American-style dish is a hearty one-pot meal that’s easy, filling, and perfect for family dinners.
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6
🥩 Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
2️⃣ Add aromatics
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the sauce
Add:
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tomato sauce
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diced tomatoes
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tomato paste
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beef broth
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Worcestershire sauce
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paprika and Italian seasoning
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Add the pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
5️⃣ Add cheese (optional)
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6️⃣ Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
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Garlic bread
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Simple green salad
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Steamed vegetables
💡 Grandma’s Tips
✔ Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
✔ Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
✔ If the goulash becomes too thick, add a splash of broth.
✔ Leftovers taste even better the next day.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: ~24 g
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Carbohydrates: ~38 g
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Fat: ~18 g
⭐ Variation Ideas
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Cheesy Goulash: Add mozzarella and cheddar together.
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Spicy Goulash: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Healthy Version: Use whole wheat macaroni and ground turkey.
