Description
This Comforting Ground Beef Goulash is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of classic seasonings. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a warm, satisfying dish with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot to reduce fat content.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat to marry the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the simmering mixture and stir well to combine. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick and hearty consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the goulash and adjust seasonings with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the goulash hot as a comforting meal.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish less fatty.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted if not available.
