Grandma's Classic American Goulash
This American-style goulash is a quintessential comfort dish that brings together simple pantry staples into a hearty, tomato-rich meal. Rooted in the tradition of easy, satisfying family dinners, it combines ground beef and tender elbow macaroni simmered in a robust tomato sauce. The magic lies in the one-pot technique, which allows the pasta to absorb the savory sauce fully, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace from Grandma herself.
Instructions
- 1
In a Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until no pink remains. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce clean and balanced.
- 2
Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth (or water), diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, diced bell pepper if using, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
10 min
- 4
Remove the lid and continue simmering for another to 10 minutes until the pasta reaches tenderness.
10 min
- 5
Discard the bay leaf. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
5 min
Ago's Notes
- Stirring frequently after adding pasta is essential to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the sauce thickens too quickly before the pasta is done, add small amounts of broth or water to maintain a gentle simmer.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- To extend the meal, consider adding extra pasta, canned beans, or seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Serve this goulash warm, with or without cheese, as a satisfying, no-nonsense meal that honors the spirit of Italian-inspired comfort food.
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