American Goulash

 American Goulash is a classic comfort food dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. It’s a simple, hearty meal that is both budget-friendly and satisfying. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)

1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

1. Stir in the Tomatoes: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (if using), dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well combined. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce.

5. Serve:

1. Top with Cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each serving of goulash, allowing it to melt. You can also mix the cheese into the goulash if you prefer it throughout.

2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to the goulash for extra flavor and nutrition.

For Extra Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Make It Cheesy: For a cheesy version, mix in more cheese with the pasta and sauce, or sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving.

This American Goulash is the perfect comfort food — a warm, savory dish that's simple to make and loved by the whole family!