Description
This hearty and comforting goulash recipe combines ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce cooked together in one skillet. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, paprika, and melted cheddar cheese, it makes a satisfying and easy one-pot meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook while breaking the meat up with a spoon until it is no longer pink, approximately 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste coating the beef evenly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Mix in the Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Add macaroni and simmer: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Melt cheese and finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve garnished with parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- This classic comfort goulash is made in one pot, making cleanup easy and preserving delicious flavors.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 794 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
