Classic American Goulash Recipe

Name: Classic American Goulash Recipe
Total time: 1 hr 25 mins
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large bay leaves; 2 tablespoons paprika; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1 quart chicken broth; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 0.25 cup chopped Italian parsley; 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese

American goulash is a beloved comfort food that brings back nostalgic memories. Often served in school cafeterias with buttered white bread and milk, this dish is a simplified version of traditional goulash, created to feed a large family on a budget. Despite its simplicity, American goulash boasts a rich flavor that makes it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Total time1 hr 25 mins
Prep time15 mins
Cook time1 hr 5 mins
Yield12

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Instructions

Prepare all the ingredients for the American Goulash recipe.
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion; cook and stir until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, approximately 5 minutes. Continue cooking until any liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the flavors meld together, around 3 minutes. Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add water to the empty marinara sauce jar, swirl to capture any remaining sauce, and pour into the pot. Stir in soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to develop, about 30 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a rapid simmer. Add the macaroni pasta and cook, stirring periodically, until the pasta is cooked to al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Check for the macaroni's doneness after 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Cover the pot and let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. Season the dish to your preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 304 kcal
Fat Content: 16 g
Fiber Content: 3 g
Sugar Content: 5 g
Sodium Content: 1066 mg
Protein Content: 24 g
Cholesterol Content: 70 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 15 g
Saturated Fat Content: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g