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American Beef Goulash Recipe

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4.3 from 71 reviews

This American Beef Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, spices, and pasta. Ready in just 45 minutes, it blends savory flavors with tender noodles, garnished with fresh parsley and melted cheese for a satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 cup elbow noodles
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese or colby jack cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat the avocado oil in a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until it lightly browns and most of the pink is gone.
  4. Season the Meat: Sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat with the spices. Continue cooking until the beef is mostly cooked through.
  5. Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and pure maple syrup (or brown sugar). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to medium. Let it gently boil for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Cook Noodles: Add the elbow noodles to the pot and cook at a gentle simmer for 7 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Add Parsley and Finish: Stir in the fresh parsley once the noodles are cooked. The goulash will be saucy initially but will thicken as it rests and the noodles absorb more of the sauce.
  9. Serve: Serve the goulash in large bowls, topped with a sprinkling of grated cheese such as parmesan, cheddar, or colby jack if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For best texture, avoid overcooking the noodles so they stay tender yet firm.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
  • Use gluten-free noodles to make this recipe gluten free.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
  • This recipe keeps well and often tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American