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American Goulash

I grew up on this meal – it’s cheap, flavorful and filling. All you need is ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes plus whatever aromatics you have on hand.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~8 servings)

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef 80/20
  • 2 medium yellow onions ~2 cups, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp garlic minced
  • 2 cups filtered water divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 3/4 tsp dried rosemary
  • 3 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cans petite diced tomatoes 28 oz
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Drain fat and set meat aside.
  • Add remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour 1/2 cup water into the pan and scrape up browned bits.
  • Add oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Return beef to skillet and stir in Worcestershire sauce, both cans of diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked macaroni, and remaining 1 1/2 cups water.
  • Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer with lid on for 15-18 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

Pasta will absorb most liquid but should remain slightly saucy, not dry.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!