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Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

This comforting and hearty goulash combines tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect as an easy one-pot meal, it’s simmered to meld the flavors beautifully and garnished with fresh parsley and optional cheddar cheese for a creamy finish.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent, softening the onions and building flavor.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain its aromatic quality.
  3. Brown Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
  4. Combine Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors begin to meld together.
  6. Simmer to Develop Flavor: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to deepen the taste.
  7. Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to avoid the noodles sticking to the bottom.
  8. Finalize Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
  9. Serve: Serve the goulash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered longer before adding the pasta.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or microwave.
  • Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and richness.

Keywords: goulash, ground beef recipe, one-pot meal, easy dinner, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, hearty meal

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/only-goulash-youll-ever-need-recipe/