My Kids Favorite Goulash

"My Kids Favorite Goulash" is the ultimate comfort food that brings big flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights! Featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered in a savory tomato-beef broth infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, this hearty one-pot dish is elevated with melted cheddar cheese for creamy goodness in every bite. With ingredients like soy sauce and diced tomatoes adding a rich depth of flavor, this recipe is a kid-approved classic that takes just 30 minutes to make. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, alongside a crisp salad or warm bread for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for families searching for quick, cozy, and flavorful dinner ideas!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Step 8

Serve hot and enjoy this warm, kid-friendly goulash with your favorite side salad or bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2227.3 grams (2227.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2540

Total Fat 129.20g	166%
Saturated Fat 57.20g	286%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 441mg	147%
Sodium 4066mg	177%
Total Carbohydrate 204.30g	74%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 31.30g
Protein 147.40g	295%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1105mg	85%
Iron 21mg	116%
Potassium 2521mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.3%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 31.8%