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American Goulash

A comforting and hearty one-pot dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich, meaty sauce bursting with tomatoes and spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color will do.
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Substitute with another pasta shape if desired.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) Include the juice.
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Shredded cheese for topping Optional.

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until they start to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Dish up hot, topping with shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

For variations, consider adding your favorite vegetables or using hot sauce for extra spice. Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container. Reheats well on the stove or in the microwave.
Keyword Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Goulash, One-Pot Meal, Pasta