Here’s a classic American Goulash recipe—also known as old-fashioned beef and macaroni skillet, very different from Hungarian goulash. It’s a simple, one-pot comfort meal.
🍝 American Goulash (One-Pot Recipe)
🧾 Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (minced beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (200–250 g) tomato sauce or passata
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1–2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the beef
Heat oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add tomato base
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add liquid & simmer
Pour in beef broth (or water). Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add macaroni
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.
5. Finish
When pasta is tender and sauce is thick, taste and adjust seasoning.
Top with cheese if you like, and let it melt.
🍽️ Serving ideas
- Serve hot with garlic bread
- Add chili flakes for spice
- Top with parmesan or cheddar
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook pasta—it should stay slightly firm.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you want, I can also give you:
- 🧀 cheesy baked American goulash
- 🌶 spicy version
- 🥦 healthier high-protein version
