Description
This Easy Goulash Recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal packed with ground beef, vegetables, tender macaroni noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this dish combines savory flavors and simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying and delicious meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables and beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot and return it to the stovetop.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and add the bay leaves and uncooked macaroni noodles. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a low boil. Stir occasionally and let it cook until the macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of goulash.
Notes
- Drain the fat carefully after browning the beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish lighter.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; you can add more Italian seasoning or Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor.
- For a less rich version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or omit the cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition.
Keywords: easy goulash, ground beef goulash, quick beef pasta, one pot goulash, comfort food, simple dinner recipe