Mom's American-style goulash is a family favorite comfort meal featuring tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, all cooked together in one easy pot.
114.5 oz canfire-roasted tomatoesdiced, with juices
8oz cantomato sauce
2teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
1teaspoonbasildried
1teaspoonoreganodried
2bay leavesfresh or dried
1½teaspoonKosher salt
1teaspoonblack pepper
1½cupsmall elbow macaroni
1cupshredded cheddar(optional)
2tablespoonItalian parsleychopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef with the peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper. Safely discard most of the excess grease.
1 lb ground beef, 1 green bell pepper, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic
Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2½ cups beef broth, 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes, 8 oz can tomato sauce, 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1½ teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Stir in the macaroni and simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.
1½ cup small elbow macaroni
Serve at once with shredded cheddar and chopped Italian parsley, if desired.
1 cup shredded cheddar, 2 tablespoon Italian parsley
Video
Notes
NOTE: Watch the video near the top of the recipe for visual guidance.We like fire-roasted diced tomatoes, but any type of canned tomatoes will work, including diced, crushed, or stewed.The sauce will be thin before you add the macaroni. As the pasta absorbs some of the liquid, the sauce will thicken. If you want the sauce thinner, stir in a splash or two of broth. If you want it thicker, let the sauce simmer another 10 minutes, or stir in tomato paste. Leftovers are excellent and can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until bubbly. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.