Description
This Classic Ground Beef Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, tender macaroni noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines robust flavors with simple ingredients for an easy yet satisfying weeknight recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 bay leaves (remove before serving)
- 30 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 30 oz tomato sauce (San Marzano recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for lighter flavor)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 tsp minced garlic
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles (Barilla recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melting)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onions and green bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure out all other ingredients to have them ready for cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, bay leaves, petite diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
- Final Touch and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot goulash, cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Stir occasionally when cooking noodles in the sauce to prevent sticking.
- Remove bay leaves before serving as they are not edible.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
