The Best Goulash

Cozy up with "The Best Goulash," a hearty and comforting one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This classic American-style goulash combines tender ground beef, savory tomato broth, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all infused with fragrant spices like paprika and Italian seasoning. A generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese melts into the dish, creating an irresistibly creamy finish, while fresh parsley adds a delightful pop of color and brightness. Ready in under an hour, with minimal cleanup, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a flavorful, budget-friendly option that serves up six generous portions. Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, this goulash is sure to become a go-to favorite for cozy dinners or leftovers the next day!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.

Step 2

Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Stir in the elbow macaroni and ensure it's fully submerged in the liquid.

Step 9

Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.

Step 10

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for garnish, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2847.6 grams (2847.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2659

Total Fat 130.40g	167%
Saturated Fat 58.00g	290%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 422mg	141%
Sodium 6644mg	289%
Total Carbohydrate 227.10g	83%
Dietary Fiber 24.40g	87%
Total Sugars 47.00g
Protein 155.60g	311%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1099mg	85%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 3476mg	74%

*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: 43.4%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 33.6%