Description
Nothing beats the heartwarming flavors of vintage goulash! This comforting dish blends tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a nostalgic, homey meal. A quick and easy dinner that’s both filling and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Add elbow macaroni, cover, and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5️⃣ If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
1️⃣ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Overcooking can make it mushy when mixed with the sauce.
2️⃣ Let the Flavors Meld – Simmering the sauce for a few extra minutes helps develop a richer, deeper flavor. If you have time, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
3️⃣ Customize to Taste – Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min