Grandma’s Goulash Ground Beef (Printable)

A classic one-pot dish made with ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 2 cups beef broth
07 - 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste
11 - 1 bay leaf (optional)

→ Garnishes and Finishings

12 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
13 - Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

# How-To:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef over medium heat and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the meat mixture. Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if desired. Bring contents to a gentle simmer.
04 - Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring flavors meld together.
05 - Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, ensuring all pasta is submerged in sauce. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni reaches tender consistency.
06 - Remove bay leaf if used. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper. For a creamy texture, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Divide among bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if preferred, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for family dinners
  • Easy to make in one pot
02 -
  • The macaroni absorbs the flavors as it cooks
  • Letting the sauce simmer longer deepens the flavor
03 -
  • Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking
  • Use freshly grated cheddar for creamier texture
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