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One-Pot American Goulash

This is a classic American goulash made with ground beef and elbow macaroni in a savory tomato-based sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion diced
  • 1 Green bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef 85/15
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes 28-ounce
  • 1 can Tomato sauce 15-ounce
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 3 cups Beef broth
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking apart meat. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Cook 1-2 minutes until paste darkens.
  • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to simmer.
  • Pour in beef broth and macaroni. Return to simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, cook 15-20 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove bay leaves. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot if you don't have a Dutch oven. Stir pasta regularly to prevent sticking.