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Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Old-Fashioned American Goulash is a timeless comfort food combining minced meat, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato base. It’s a nostalgic, hearty one-pot meal passed down through generations, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound minced meat beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups uncooked macaroni
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • shredded cheese optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Brown the minced meat in a large pot until richly browned for maximum flavor.
  2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot if using a Crockpot or for one-pot stovetop cooking.
  5. Simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until macaroni is tender.
  6. Serve hot in bowls and top with shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

Customize your goulash by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or a spicy kick with red pepper flakes. A cheesy baked finish under the broiler makes it extra special!