Description
Classic American goulash delivers hearty comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Rich beef and pasta blend together with simple seasonings, promising warm satisfaction for hungry families seeking a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- A few turns of fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- In a spacious dutch oven, sizzle olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce onion, garlic, and ground beef, browning thoroughly while crumbling meat until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease, then integrate tomato paste evenly throughout the meat mixture.
- Pour chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika into the pot. Season with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce pasta. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese and fresh parsley, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately, optionally garnishing with additional cheese and chopped parsley for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the classic dish.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor complexity and richness in the sauce.
- Consider replacing beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg